Preparing and Starting Out

Many Pacific peoples think of a vaka as the mother of the crew and a wayfinder as the father. Before leaving, wayfinders must make sure that:
• the canoe is working well
• there is enough food and water
• the time to go is right.
Lots of people in the community help with these preparations.

Wayfinders know s many sea paths. In the days before a voyage, they study the one leading star in the path, and the partner stars that follow it by rising or setting in the same wind positions. They know each star on the path, what weather there will be, and what alternative GLOSSARY alternative - other routes to take if currents or winds will push the vaka off course.

Satawalese wayfinders must follow taboos GLOSSARY taboos - restrictions before trips, like avoiding sexual contact or only eating food made especially for them. They also performs certain rituals GLOSSARY rituals - ceremonies to protect the vaka from dangers. Some wayfinders are said to have spiritual powers to control natural forces like the weather.

Turtle and Canoe: The Importance of Preparation (Palau, Micronesia)

Eledui from Ngerdemai wanted to be the best hunter of all. He wanted to catch the Great Turtle – the Old One. Then people would tell stories about his great strength! “The old men waste time waiting for a sign. Begin the hunt now, I say!”

On a night with no moon or stars, he started out. He forgot to look for storms or strong currents. But when a small tern cried out at him, he stopped paddling. He started to laugh, but then the bird disappeared. Did he just imagine it? Now he remembered – he had forgotten to greet the spirits, the providers of safety. These spirits often changed into birds with warnings. So Eledui gave thanks and asked to be forgiven for his hurry. He threw water on the front of the Waa and then paddled to the outer reef.

There, he saw the Old One! He threw his spear and hit him. Eledui dived in. He must stop the turtle from diving deeper. But he forgot to anchor his canoe. It was caught in a current and moving towards the ocean! He must swim now to save it … but he didn’t want to lose the turtle. He decided to use the turtle to pull him to his Waa. Waves splashed, and Eledui’s strength was nearly gone. The sea was red with the blood of both of them. Then the turtle dived down hard, and Eledui lost his hold. “No, no!” he screamed. But only the waves heard him.