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02/13/25 - “[This] is how we started, how we became people of this place. This is the beginning,” John Castro told Marianas Press in an interview inside the recently renovated Canoe House in Susupe on Saipan.
Castro is the Seafaring Traditions Program coordinator under the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture.
He explained that the canoe house’s roof made up of coconut leaves must be replaced every three years. He said the project was made possible through a grant obtained by Community Solutions, an organization led by Sheila Babauta, alongside other community members.
Babauta told Marianas Press, “Investing in our culture means investing in our people, our ancestors, our children, land and waters. It's an honor to support the roof repair of Guma Higgai and I hope we see more cultural projects around our community.”
Castro said the renovation, which took months, is long overdue. Now that they completed the project, the program if focused on finishing carving a canoe under the guidance of Master Navigator Tony Piailug, who is currently on Guam. They hope to bring students to the ocean to see the stars and learn about seafaring traditions.
“The canoe house is very important because it is a shelter for the canoe. At the same time, it serves as a school,” Castro said. “Any traditional practice…this is how the canoe house becomes a school.”
The Seafaring Traditions program aims to perpetuate and preserve traditional seafaring practices.
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Story by Thomas Manglona II
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