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15 Carolinians join canoe voyage
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Posted on Mar 20 2000
Fifteen Carolinians from the CNMI will embark on a traditional navigation retracing the route taken by their ancestors in coming to Saipan.
The group will be divided into two: 10 will go to the island of Satawal and five will travel to an atoll called Polowat.
It will take the group about 14 days to reach Satawal using a field trip vessel since the crew will be dropping off cargoes and passengers from each of the islands they would be passing by on their way to their destination.
In Satawal, the crew members will undergo five days of training before sailing back to Saipan using only the stars, the moon and the wind as their guide. Satawal’s local people have also persisted in teaching the ancient navigation to their children.
“This is the Carolinian’s way of welcoming the new millennium, reviving the long held tradition of ancient navigation, language, culture and tradition,” said Benigno M. Sablan, a member of the group.
Mau Piaulig will head the expedition, accompanied by his son Sesario Sewralur.
Coordinated by the Office of Carolinian Affairs, Mr. Sablan said this will be the first time that the group will document the trip by taking photographs all throughout the voyage.
For the first time too, the voyagers on board the five canoes arrive off Tanapag village, which used to host the weary travelers many years ago.
“This has been my dream. I have always been waiting for this opportunity,” said Mr. Sablan. He said his only hope is that his children and grandchildren will continue the tradition which is part of the Carolinian heritage.
