Canoes of the Marshalls

Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) is based in Delap, just west of the Marshall Islands Resort. The grassroots non-profit, non-government organization known as WAM trains Marshall Islands youth based on the traditions of the Marshallese canoe as well as basic English and math. Sail on a canoe: Have the ride of your life on a traditional Marshallese canoe. Again, stop by their office or give them a call on (692) 625-6123. Try and book your voyage when the tide is high, making it easier to get the canoes into the water. Training programs: WAM provides vocational and life skills training to youth-at-risk using the medium of traditional outrigger canoes, boat building, carpentry and woodworking. The program links the new generation with the old, working together to keep this unique aspect of Marshallese culture alive, while simultaneously addressing serious social problems affecting youth in Marshallese society. The program also includes the teaching of math and English skills. WAM Mission: The WAM mission is to work with youth, their families and the local and international community to perpetuate and safeguard Marshallese culture and tradition through canoe building and sailing, and through this cultural linkage develop life skills and modern work skills that create meaning in the lives of all participants.

WAM Magic

Olli-Pekka and Auli Ollila from Kangasala, Finland, enjoy a ride on a WAM canoe with their grandson Gideon, who was born in Majuro and was adopted by Mikko and JoAnn Ollila, who live in Seattle, US. The grandparents verdict: “We loved it!” Photo: Karen Earnshaw

Check out WAM’s site below:

Listen to a trditional navigation chant by the late master navigator Lijon Eknilang from Rongelap Atoll: Traditional Navigation Chant • Marshall Islands Guide

Harvard science professor wrote The Lost Art of Finding Our Way, which is about traditional Marshallese navigation: Marshallese Navigation • Marshall Islands Guide

Jacque Spence, Executive Vice President of the Canvasback Medical Missions, and her team sailed on a couple of traditional Marshallese canoes. Her verdict? “Sailing on a Marshallese canoe is out of this world!  Marshallese were master canoe builders, indigenous navigators and amazing sailors.  It is so great that they are making efforts to preserve this part of their history.”