WAIMEA — The Vaka Taumako Project of Pacific Traditions Society will be showing their film, “We, The Voyagers: Lata’s Children,” at the Historic Waimea Theatre on Monday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m.
There will be introductions with Director H. Wyeth and Cultural Anthropologist Marianne “Mimi” George.
“This film is important because the late Paramount Chief Koloso Kaveia, who sailed around Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for most of his life, wanted the world to know that they still practice old ancient navigating skills,” George said.
She continued, “He would like everyone including the youth to learn that knowledge and pass it on by teaching their youth to film, so they can document and share what they know.”
“We the Voyagers: Lata’s Children” is a two-part documentary. In the first part the Polynesian voyagers share their history, canoe-building skills, and way-finding through story-telling.
“It’s a great film that highlights a fifth generation way-finder. It connects Polynesian cultures and their skills set of exploring and pushing the boundaries while discovering the unknown. It is something we should instill in our kids,” said Thomas Nizo, Historic Waimea Theatre manager.
The second half tells the story of the ancestral culture hero Lata. He opened the doors to outsiders in order to start a new voyage. On board were hard workers with skills — men, women, children, and even a anthropologist.
George is that anthropologist, who explored their cultural and ancient navigating skills.
“Part of Chief Kaveia’s plans was for his grandchildren to learn how to use the cameras and video their own cultural knowledge,” George said.
The two films are made in English subtitles so that the Taumako voyagers can show who they are, what they are doing and why.
Vaka Taumako Project started in 1996 and continues on today as the younger generation continues the traditions of building vessels and sailing around the Solomons.
There is a strong connection to Kaua‘i. George says that, through the decades, several groups of Taumako cultural voyaging experts have visited Kaua‘i.
“One visit, Dr. Larry Sherrer and Wilcox Hospital gave Chief Kaveia cataract operations so he could see again and continue teaching navigation to young people,” George said.
Show times of the documentary can be found at the Historic Waimea Theatre website.
Looking forward to reading more about the film…………………………….Mahalo from Indiana…….