UPDATE: The University of Guam Press (UOG Press) has just secured a groundbreaking $200,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to launch an innovative digital publication focusing on Micronesian seafaring and navigation. This pilot project marks a significant step in preserving and promoting the region’s rich maritime heritage through modern technology.
The digital publication, set to be developed by UOG professors Melissa Taitano and H. Larry Raigetal, both master navigators known as pairourou, will serve as a textbook for university courses, integrating dynamic visuals, audio elements, and engaging narratives. “Micronesian cultural knowledge has historically been shared through oral traditions, capturing complexities that a linear text cannot convey,” Taitano emphasized in a recent media release.
This initiative is not just about creating a digital textbook; it aims to redefine how stories of Micronesian navigation are told. The publication will be hosted online, breaking away from traditional e-book formats to provide a more immersive learning experience.
Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, UOG Press Director of Publishing, expressed her enthusiasm: “This project represents an exciting new chapter for UOG Press and the communities we serve.” The initiative will enable UOG Press to utilize technology to preserve and share the unique narratives of the island and its people.
Developing this digital publication involves collaboration with local seafaring communities in Guam and Saipan, ensuring that the project reflects their insights and traditions. Raigetal noted, “The seafaring culture is an all-encompassing approach to life, requiring deep knowledge of the land and resources.”
To enhance the program, UOG Press has partnered with established institutions such as Brown University Digital Publications and RavenSpace, both recognized for their excellence in digital scholarship. Experts from these organizations will provide guidance on best practices in digital publishing.
A ceremonial tree-planting event on September 25 marked the official launch of the project. UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez highlighted the significance of the da’ok tree, traditionally used for canoe-building, stating it symbolizes the connection to the land and the ancestors. “Through our Island Wisdom initiative, we’re building capacity to perpetuate traditional navigation,” she remarked.
This digital project not only aims to educate but also to foster a deeper connection between the community and its cultural heritage. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology will ensure that these stories are shared respectfully and widely.
As this project unfolds, the UOG Press team is committed to exploring the best practices for digital storytelling that honor the traditions of Micronesian navigation. The next steps will involve collaborating closely with local stakeholders to finalize the publication’s content and structure.
Stay tuned as this exciting venture develops, promising to reshape the landscape of digital education in Micronesia and beyond.
