WAYFINDING - MY EXPERIENCE Mon Sep 11 22:41:08 US/Eastern 2000 Kia Ora, Greetings My name is Jacko. I was a crew member of the New Zealand Voyaging Canoe (Waka Hourua) Te Aurere. In 1995 I voyaged on board this Waka from Tahiti to Nukuhiva to Hawaii to Rarotonga and returning to New Zealand (Aotearoa). A 10 month journey of personal discovery & challenge that has defined for me the significance of pride in Identity. I am priviledged to be a part of the Polynesian Waka communities that uphold and cherish Polynesian Traditions of voyaging, navigation, migration and colonisation of the Pacific by emulating the feats of our ancestors in modern day voyages tracing those ancient ocean highways. Cultural Identity links to pride in cultural heritage this in turn filters down to personal self esteem. To me cultural identity is important in maintaining healthy communities Community is about sharing commonality in an environment that is safe. Communities that work together & prosper together tend to uphold strong family values. Identity & community is important. A solid foudation that you can build upon. Any way I only really wanted to send a greeting to GAIL EVANARI AROHANUI hope you remember us from New Zealand I loved the film, many of my friends & family have seen the documentary and are complimentary of it. It is most gratifying to have evidence of the hard work and effort we put into challenging ourselves at the ancient art of Wayfinding. If you get a chance send us an e-mail. Te Aurere is being refitted to sail to Noumea for the 8th Pacific Festiva of Arts. Piripi will be Navigating on that voyage. Kia ora ano Hope to hear from you sometime Jacko Thatcher Navigator Te Aurere Wakal -- te.kapene@xtra.co.nz (John Webster Te Kapene Thatcher (Jacko))