Saina - Canoe Blessing Ceremony - Crew Introductions

On September 20, 2008 a historic event took place on Guam. For the first time in over two centuries a Chamorro made sakman canoe could be found in the waters around Guam.

The canoe and navigation tradition of Chamorros was intentionally wiped out by the Spanish in the early 18th century following the Chamorro-Spanish Wars. The creation of this sakman canoe, by a coalition of navigation groups called TASI, represents the exciting return and revival of a cultural form that colonialism deemed dangerous to its interests. This canoe and the revival it represents is decolonization in action. A refusal to let this form which was once so integral to Chamorro life, languish in archives, but become part of our contemporary existence.

The canoe which has been named Saina is set to make its maiden voyage to Rota sometime in the week after it was blessed.

In this video, Senator Ben Pangelinan is introducing the crew of the Saina.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Guam
• Guahan
• Chamorro
• Chamoru
• Sakman
• Canoe
• Proa
• Tasi
• Blessing
• Galaide
• Micronesia
• Decolonization
• Kuttura