WITH over 13 years of experience in traditional voyaging, Iva Nancy Vunikura was honoured to assume the title of matua, a role that entails mentorship and guidance, especially to the young crew on board the Uto Ni Yalo.
The voyage from Fiji to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting, which convened in Honiara, Solomon Islands, was a peculiar one, filled with a diverse crew from the regions.
“This journey has been incredibly rewarding and enjoyable, as I have had the opportunity to sail alongside both young aspiring sailors and experienced ones,” Iva said.
“This is a significant motivation for me to engage in such voyages because I believe it’s important to share the knowledge and skills that we have acquired over the years.”
Having witnessed the decline of traditional wayfinding, Iva has dedicated herself to this practice for over a decade, finding immense joy in being surrounded by young individuals and sharing her rich knowledge of navigation and voyaging with them.
“It’s truly fulfilling because it is a challenging task to encourage and inspire people to engage in what we do. This is not an easy job; it requires a deep passion and commitment,” she said.
“The young crew members, have shown an exceptional enthusiasm for learning and participating, which makes me very proud.
“It gives me hope that the tradition will continue to thrive and flourish in the future.”
Voyaging the open sea isn’t always smooth; at times, the crew encounters challenges along this journey.
“Indeed, we faced some challenges, particularly with the younger crew members adjusting to being away from their families for the first time
“As a Matua, I took it upon myself to fulfil a nurturing role for them, acting as a mother, aunt, and big sister. I learned a lot from my own matua, Netani Rika, and I strive to implement those lessons while sailing.”
She said young sailors sometimes experienced seasickness and homesickness, prompting her to provide physical and emotional support. Sometimes that is a tap on the shoulder, a nodded compliment.
“I reminded them that this was not just a one-time adventure; it was a valuable journey that they would look back on and reflect on what they had learned along the way.”
By comparing the experiences of our time with the cultural changes of the modern era, Iva firmly believes that these traditions have a bright future.
“As I observe the growing number of canoes and the revival of sailing culture, I am heartened. When we travelled from Vanuatu, we witnessed the Tongan voyaging community preparing to celebrate their cultural heritage,’’ Iva said.
“Similarly, in New Zealand and Samoa, there are many initiatives aimed at revitalising traditional practices that were once lost or neglected.
“It is incredibly encouraging to witness people reconnecting with the lifestyles and knowledge that our forefathers embraced long ago,” .
The sail on the Uto Ni Yalo not only carried the crew to the Solomon Islands, but also conveyed the core message of unity, embodying the spirit of “one saltwater crew, one ocean.”
Iva described the Uto Ni Yalo crew as beautifully diverse. It included Cook Islanders, Samoans, and the Kanak people of New Caledonia with a collective message centred on the importance of protecting oceans which provide sustenance for Pasifika communities.
Sharing Personal Connections to the Ocean: Reflect on the ocean’s role in our life, community, and Fijian traditions, including navigation, fishing, spirituality, and environmental care.
“We emphasised sustainable sea transportation, the revival of traditional navigation knowledge, and advocating for the values of life that connect us all,” Iva said.
From Vione, Gau, Iva believes more Pacific Islanders should take part in this kind of voyage and collaborate with other regions.
“As we sailed towards the Solomons, I could clearly see the strength of their voyaging culture. It is crucial for individuals across all islands, including the Solomons, to recognise the importance of sharing their navigational methods and knowledge,” she said.
‘Each culture has its unique ways of navigating, and though it may be difficult for some to share, we must establish a community of shared learning.’’
Sharing her experience of seeing the Solomon Islands canoe, Tepuke for the first time, Iva said the moment was breathtaking. It was her first time to see an operational traditionally constructed sailing canoe in which every element was crafted using techniques passed down through generations.
With modern technology playing a significant role in navigation and voyaging today, she added, witnessing the dedication and knowledge of traditional navigators like Fiji’s Angelo Smith and Kaiafa Ledua on the Uto Ni Yalo had motivated her to continue her efforts as a sailor.