Listen to Alson Kelen in this episode talk about how teaching ancient skills helps root people in today’s world. Even if they’re starting down a bad path.
How building a connection to their ancestors, helps them get better connected with themselves. What they’re capable of, and a sense of community they can always come back to.
With loads of wisdom for us today and how we can contend with climate change. Listen to my talk with the head of the Marshall Islands Nuclear commission Rhea Moss-Christian, and her colleague and head of the Canoes of the Marshall islands, Alson Kelen.
(0:00) - Introduction
(5:02) - Introducing Alison and Rhea
(6:10) - Alison Keelan's Role and the Cultural Program for Youth
(23:06) - Embracing the Future and Facing Reality
(32:53) - The Genesis of the Cultural Program
(36:26) - What's the Marshallese relationship with the ocean?
(41:34) - Materials for Canoe Building, Modernize, not westernize.
(45:46) - Traditional Navigation Techniques
(56:25) - The Impact of Nuclear Testing on Bikini Atoll
(1:17:03) - Living on Bikini Island and the Effects of Processed Food
(1:25:08) - The Importance of Transcendence and Making Moments Matter
