An Ocean Above and Below Us: Sharing Pacific Indigenous Wisdom (Virtual)

Abstract

The Indigenous peoples from the Pacific Ocean are the People of the Sea. Over generations, our ancestors pioneered ways to intentionally travel across thousands of miles of open ocean using only the information nature provides. No external instruments were needed for guidance; rather the navigator became the most sophisticated instrument needed by tuning into the stars, winds, waves, birds and marine life.    In this presentation, I will share these stories along with principles that govern living and operating on traditional voyaging vessels. These values established for the canoes translated directly into the balance is attained between Pacific Indigenous peoples and their island nations. As we envision the future of our planet and look to weave together Indigenous wisdom with western science, we must learn to listen to what is offered by the people of the largest continent on the planet, the Pacific Ocean.