Polynesian Voyaging Society

Definition

The Polynesian Voyaging Society is an organization dedicated to the revival and promotion of traditional Polynesian navigation techniques and the cultural heritage of voyaging in the Pacific. This society plays a crucial role in reconnecting modern Hawaiian communities with their ancestors' practices, emphasizing the importance of navigation skills, sustainability, and cultural pride in the face of contemporary challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Polynesian Voyaging Society was founded in 1973, aiming to revive traditional ocean navigation and build awareness about Polynesian culture.
2. The society's flagship canoe, Hōkūle'a, completed a historic voyage around the world in 2017, showcasing traditional navigation methods and cultural values.
3. Voyaging canoes like Hōkūle'a are constructed using traditional materials and techniques, emphasizing the importance of cultural knowledge and craftsmanship.
4. The society organizes educational programs and voyages that involve local communities, fostering a sense of identity and stewardship for future generations.
5. The resurgence of interest in traditional navigation has led to greater recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and their relevance to contemporary environmental issues.

Review Questions

• How does the Polynesian Voyaging Society contribute to the understanding and preservation of traditional navigation techniques?
  • The Polynesian Voyaging Society plays a vital role in preserving traditional navigation techniques by organizing voyages and educational programs that engage communities in hands-on learning. By sailing vessels like Hōkūle'a, they demonstrate how ancient navigators used natural signs such as stars and ocean patterns. This connection to history not only educates participants but also strengthens cultural identity and pride among modern Hawaiians.
• Discuss the impact of the Hōkūle'a's voyages on Hawaiian culture and identity within the context of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
  • The Hōkūle'a's voyages significantly impacted Hawaiian culture and identity by serving as a powerful symbol of revival for traditional practices. Through its journeys, the canoe has not only demonstrated ancient navigational techniques but also fostered a renewed appreciation for indigenous knowledge. This has encouraged community involvement in cultural preservation, promoting pride in Hawaiian heritage while addressing contemporary issues like sustainability.
• Evaluate how the principles advocated by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, such as Mālama 'Āina, can be applied to modern environmental challenges.
  • The principles promoted by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, particularly Mālama 'Āina or caring for the land, are highly relevant in addressing modern environmental challenges. By integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary sustainability practices, communities can adopt holistic approaches to environmental stewardship. These principles encourage respect for natural resources, fostering sustainable practices that honor both cultural heritage and ecological well-being, ultimately paving the way for solutions to pressing global issues like climate change.

Related terms

Wayfinding: The traditional Polynesian method of navigating the ocean using natural indicators such as the stars, ocean currents, and bird behavior.

Hōkūle'a: A traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe that was launched in 1975, serving as a symbol of Hawaiian cultural revival and traditional navigation.

Mālama 'Āina: A Hawaiian concept meaning to care for and protect the land, which is integral to sustainable practices within Polynesian voyaging traditions.