Progress continues on project to build proa

[B]HAGATNA, Guam[/B]—The Tourism Education Council’s Project Proa continues to progress rapidly in its mission to restore traditional Chamorro seafaring activities to the Pacific region. Over the past months, the building team has reached significant milestones in the construction of a traditional Chamorro Proa.

“We are pleased at the rapid progress of our traditionally carved canoe,” said Jose U. Munoz, Project Coordinator of Project Proa. “Our carvers are working with traditional materials, traditional tools and building in the traditional manner that our ancestors put forth.” He went on say, “this is something that has not been done in Guam in almost 200 years.”

Recently, over 1000 students from local elementary and middle schools have taken advantage of Project Proa’s community outreach. Site visits have been conducted, allowing young children to witness and learn more about the carving, building, and navigating skills of professional carvers from Guam and neighboring islands.

“Students from all walks of life are very interested to learn more about the Proa Canoe, how it was built and how it was sailed”, Munoz said. “We hope to inspire students across our island to get involved in a sustaining way in this important tradition.”

From April 10 – 12, Project Proa will continue its mission to educate and inform the community of its progress at the Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo (PHARE) 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Guam from 10am to 5pm. The opportunity will be available to meet with the builders and to view the presentation of Project Proa’s documentary video.

“We have documented the important progress of the building of this canoe, from the time we obtained the dok-dok (seeded breadfruit) in Rota to its present day progress”, said Munoz.

Project Proa’s mission is to perpetuate the continuity of seafaring traditions through the collaboration of master carvers and apprentices, leading to the restoration of the vital connection the Chamorros have with the land and sea. The building is done with respect for our ancestors and the environment through ceremonial blessings and the use of felled trees. This exciting project is a testimony to the celebration and promotion of the diversity of island cultures. Through extensive documentation and strong community outreach, Project Proa is committed to educating future generations on the skill and trade of crafting a traditional seafaring vessel in hopes of inspiring similar cultural revivals throughout Guam and our neighboring islands. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]