Reviving Tradition: A Successful Collaboration

At the Yap Traditional Navigation Society (YTNS), we are deeply committed to preserving and celebrating Yap’s maritime heritage. Our mission is to ensure that the ancient art of traditional navigation and canoe building is not only remembered but actively passed down to future generations. We’re thrilled to share the success of our latest project—made possible by the generous support of Habele—that has brought us closer to achieving that mission.

 In 2024, with the invaluable support of Habele, YTNS embarked on a project to safeguard three of Yap’s remaining traditional canoes, including the Mathow Maram, the island’s last voyaging canoe. These vessels are irreplaceable cultural treasures, embodying the craftsmanship, knowledge, and navigational skills that have shaped Yapese identity for generations.

The project was undertaken in multiple phases. First, the canoes were carefully dismantled, with each piece meticulously labeled to ensure proper storage and future restoration. This process not only preserved the physical structures of the canoes but also provided an opportunity to document their intricate designs and construction techniques.

A Yapese storyteller accompanied the project, sharing cultural anecdotes and historical insights about the canoes. These stories, paired with videos and photographs, were shared online to broaden awareness and preserve the intangible heritage tied to these remarkable vessels.

 Beyond preservation, the project took an inspiring step toward restoration. Due to resourceful budgeting and unused funds, YTNS was able to begin reassembling one of the smaller fishing canoes. This unexpected development further strengthened the community’s connection to its maritime past and provided opportunities for younger generations to engage with traditional craftsmanship.

YTNS also secured an additional funding from Yap’s Resource and Development Office to complete the restoration of another canoe, which will be proudly showcased during Yap Day on March 1, 2021. The sight of these restored canoes will serve as a powerful reminder of Yap’s enduring relationship with the sea and the resilience of its people.

 With this successful project as a foundation, YTNS is preparing for the next phase of its mission. In 2025, construction will begin on a new canoe house at the Yap Living History Museum. This facility will provide a secure and dedicated space for restored canoes and serve as a hub for educational programs and community workshops.

In addition, plans are underway to revive the Yap Traditional Maritime Institute, where traditional navigation and canoe-building techniques will be taught to future generations. This will ensure that the skills and stories tied to Yapese maritime heritage remain a living, thriving tradition.

 This project was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of partners like Habele, as well as the dedicated efforts of YTNS staff, storytellers, and the broader Yapese community. Their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Yap’s cultural heritage continues to be a source of inspiration and pride.

Thank you to Habele and all those who contributed to the success of this project. Together, we’re keeping Yap’s heritage alive.