Pacific Voyaging – Critical Traditional Knowledge

The Aiga Folau o Samoa or Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) was established in 2009 with the sole purpose of reviving, sustaining, and promoting traditional Samoan voyaging practices amongst its people.

President Memea Lyvia Seiuli Black said Samoans like other Pacific islanders were natural navigators of the Pacific Ocean before the Pacific islands were discovered and documented by European explorers.

As custodians of the Gaualofa, a 22-meter-long double-hulled voyaging canoe built in the traditional shape but out of modern materials, the Aiga Folau o Samoa has continued to educate on traditional canoe building and navigation and preserve this critically endangered traditional knowledge.

Aiga Folau o Samoa is a non-profit organisation that advocates and encourages Samoan people, youth, and families to make time to voyage (folau) and take up the opportunity in joining this revival of ocean voyaging.

The headquarters of the Aiga Folau o Samoa is located at the Samoa Tourism Cultural Village in Apia.

Source: Samoa Tourism Authority

Photo Credit: Samoa Tourism Authority