ABOUT 20 youths from nine villages in Ovalau and Moturiki underwent a Canoe Sailing “Art of Shunting” Workshop on Leleuvia Island in a bid to promote the use of sustainable traditional vessels in communities.
The three-day workshop was organised by the Uto Ni Yalo Trust. Participants learnt how to carve their own paddles, learn practical sailing, shunting and building a traditional outrigger canoe.
Lone female participant, Vasemaca Salaiwalu, who has maternal links to Rukuruku, Ovalau was chosen alongside fellow youth Maciu Kelekelevesi to take part in the workshop.
Vasemaca says she never regretted the decision to take part. “I was actually awaiting confirmation to go overseas for studies, but when this opportunity came up, I just had to join it,” she said.
canoe on open waters.
Picture: MATILDA SIMMONS
“The boys treated me like their own sister and it was an eye-opener learning about the art of building a traditional canoe. It was also a proud moment knowing our ancestors once made these canoes and they sailed the open seas with it.”
Following the workshop, the participants will be presented with a certificate. A traditional ceremony will later be held to officially hand over the traditional canoe to each of the villages of the young participants.
