Salute to Grand Master Navigator

At Issue: Smithsonian Institution honors Micronesia’s Grand Master Navigator Mau Piailug in Washington, D.C.

Our View: We offer our most profound congratulations to Mr. Piailug whose skills have revived traditional navigation.

“…To preserve the heritage of the past, and to protect the promise of the future…Micronesia began in the days when man explored seas in rafts and canoes…The Micronesian nation is born in an age when men voyage among the stars….”

Perhaps no other person represents the very essence of preserving the heritage of Micronesia’s prominent past than Grand Master Navigator Mau Piailug. Yes, Piailug sailed the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, north and south of the equator, reviving interest in traditional mode of sea transportation among Micronesians and Polynesians.

In view of his mastery of traditional navigation, he was asked to help Polynesians sail their canoe between Hawaii and a Tahiti, the famous Hokule`a. He’s taken young men and sailed between the Hawaiian Islands and Saipan. No one has accomplished such feat in traditional navigation other than Piailug. A week or so ago, he took a combined group of navigators sailing from the Western Carolines right into the shores of Tanapag Village. Indeed, he’s proven time and again that he is the grand master of traditional navigation among masters who sail in rafts and canoes.

Last year, the State of Hawaii declared a “Mau Piailug Day” in honor of his contributions, teaching fellow islanders skills in traditional navigation. He also was honored by legislatures throughout Micronesia as he sailed into their shores from Hawaii. He was also honored by the NMI Legislature. Next Tuesday (Wednesday our time),
Grand Master Navigator Piailug will be honored by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He will give brief remarks about traditional navigation. Smithsonian officials have reportedly shown interest in doing exhibits and projects with the master navigator. The event in Washington, slated for next week, is in honor of “Asian Pacific Heritage Month” in May.

We wish Grand Master Navigator Piailug a safe journey to the nation’s capital. His presence will definitely bring greater visibility of Micronesia that was born in age when men voyage among the stars. A real master, ambassador and legend in traditional navigation, Piailug’s documented accomplishments will become a part of the
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. May your journey be safe and most memorable. Congratulations!