Home > Moananuiākea Voyage: A Voyage for Oceans, A Voyage for Earth
Moananuiākea Voyage: A Voyage for Oceans, A Voyage for Earth
Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) is launching their next major voyage and educational campaign called Moananuiākea Voyage: A Voyage for Oceans, A Voyage for Earth from Alaska upon the Hōkūle’a, the original wa’a built to reignite their voyaging renaissance. This voyage will circumnavigate the Pacific Ocean over the next four years drawing attention to the vital role our ocean plays in the well-being of the world and connecting the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific to amplify our collective role and power in caring for our world.
Based in Hawai’i, PVS is focused on the vital importance of oceans, nature, and Indigenous knowledge, while developing young crew members, navigators, and leaders. Their goal is to engage communities around the world to take part in navigating the earth towards a healthy, thriving future. Moananuiākea is a reminder of the ancient bonds we share as relatives and as stewards of our oceans, waters, lands, and ways of life; reigniting the flame of our Ancestral knowledge and how it will carry us forward into the future. The launch of this journey brings us closer together and reminds the world of the critical role of Indigenous peoples carry in the well-being of our planet. As the peoples of the Pacific, we know that our waters are connected and interdependent on each other for the health and well-being of our world, now and for the next 10,000+ years.
PVS has chosen to launch the Moananuiākea Voyage from Alaska to acknowledge the long standing relationship between Alaska Native peoples and Hawaiians. Before the Hōkūleʻa arrived in Juneau, it sailed a pre-launch heritage journey to Yaakwdáat (Yakutat), Xunaa (Hoonah), and Deishú/Tlákw.aan (Haines/Klukwan) to honor the communities who raised the Native sons that have so impacted and shaped PVS – Byron Mallott (Kwaashk’ikwáan), Ernie Hillman (Chookaneidí), and Judson Brown (Dakl’aweidi) respectively.
Once the Hōkūleʻa concludes its formal global launch from Juneau, it will then stop in seven of our Southeast villages and connect with neighboring communities including Aangóon, Ḵéex̱ ʼ Kwáan, Séet Ká, Shtax’héen, Kichx̱ áan/T’éesh Kwáan Xagu, Maxłakxaała, and Higdáa G̱ ándlaay/Gasa’áan/Sháan Séet/Lawáak*. Due to the safety and scheduling needs of the voyage, the Hōkūle’a is not able to make a stop at every village, and we extend our sincere gratitude to all Southeast communities for understanding and being willing to help and participate where they can.
Hōkūleʻa and her crew are not only dedicated to the wa’a, they are committed to education and community engagement. This voyage will include a “Third Canoe” called Waʻa Honua, meaning a canoe for the earth. The Wa’a Honua will uplift stories and teachings from the voyage and offer a way for folks to follow along as they circumnavigate the Pacific using traditional navigation. Learn more at www.waahonua.com.
We are excited for the beautiful energy Hōkūleʻa will bring to Alaska, for the message they are sharing with the world, and the interconnectedness they will reawaken throughout the Indigenous communities of the Pacific. We welcome them to Alaska and all who will participate in this incredible and historic voyage!
