Captain Ambrose Miki Champions Traditional Navigation on Historic Pacific Voyage

BY JOY OFASIA

The Captain of the Traditional Taumako Tepuke canoe, Ambrose Miki from the Taumako – largest of the Duff Islands, in Temotu Province, has urged young people across the Pacific to embrace traditional navigation skills, calling it a vital part of Pacific culture that must not be lost.

“Navigating the seas using local knowledge is a very important aspect in culture that we must keep and must be practiced for today’s generation,” Captain Ambrose told TOURISM SOLOMONS in an exclusive interview.

As the captain of the Tepuke, a traditional voyaging canoe, Ambrose recently led a remarkable journey from Temotu to Honiara. Sailing alongside the Uto Ni Yalo, a vaka from Fiji, the voyage was part of the Wansolwara initiative – a movement promoting Pacific unity, environmental protection, and cultural pride.

The voyage of the Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo stands as a proud reminder of the Pacific’s shared heritage – and the strength found in sailing forward together, honouring Solomon Islands’ navigation heritage and supporting the Motalava Treaty between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, which aims to recognise traditional ties and establish joint Ocean, cultural and development initiatives.

“The voyage is more than a journey – it is a symbol of prosperity, unity, and peace. We carry with us the message of Wansolwara,” Ambrose said.

Ambrose has sailed the Tepuke more than five times in the Temotu seas, learning the ancient art of navigation from his late father.

“Captaining the Tepuke, I used stars, tide swells, and the current to navigate the seas. I am happy and proud to have used these skills,” he said with a smile.

The voyage wasn’t just a cultural celebration – it was also a wake-up call for Pacific leaders. Captain Ambrose highlighted the increasing threat of climate change, pollution from ships, and rubbish in the ocean.

“I think that we should protect the Pacific Ocean. I call on the leaders of the Pacific to must protect the ocean,” he said firmly.

On August 29, the Tepuke and its crew of 11 – including one female sailor – set off from the Duff Islands. They reached the Reef Islands on August 31, then sailed to Lata, where they were joined by the Uto Ni Yalo voyaging canoe from Fiji with a 15 regional crew from Oceania. Together, the two traditional canoes made their final leg to Foxwood, northeast of Guadalcanal, arriving six days later.

This Wansolwara voyage brings symbolic meaning to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM), held last week in Honiara. It highlights the collective strength of Pacific nations and the urgent need to protect the Blue Pacific Continent.

Ambrose hopes this journey inspires his community in Taumako and beyond to pass down traditional knowledge to the younger generation.

“It is very important to teach the next generation. We must hold on to our culture,” he said.