4 minute lesson
Sailing Around the World Without GPS or Technology!
How did ancient ocean navigators sail the open seas without GPS or technology?
In 2013, a ship called the Hōkūleʻa embarked on an epic journey to sail around the globe to answer that question.
With no GPS, no motor or modern navigation technology, the crew set out to sail just as their ancestors had thousands of years ago. Along the way, celebrating their Polynesian heritage, and maintaining an artform 3500 years old.
After traversing the islands of the Pacific, Hōkūleʻa took on her most ambitious journey yet: to sail around the world. For some of the back story of this remarkable journey, we have a great video for you from Great Big Story!
Why It Matters
The ancient navigation techniques used on the Hōkūleʻa were almost lost to history. Losing a skill that is central to our cultural heritage is devastating because it passes down our values and our history and connects us to the generations that came before us.
Passing down skills is a universal part of human culture. In corners across the globe, you will find people fighting for, and preserving their cultural knowledge.
Traditions are some of the important ways we celebrate and pass down our history!
Let's Talk About It
Great Big Story
Great Big Story is a global media company devoted to cinematic storytelling. Headquartered in New York, with a bureau in London, our studios create and distribute micro-docs and short films, as well as series for digital, social, TV and theatrical release.