19/08/2026
The Ala Vaa, an undertaking, proposed by the Samoa Voyaging Society last year, was built around two connected parts.
The first was the vision to sail Gaualofa to Uvea mo Futuna, reconnecting the longstanding voyaging ties and relationships between our islands and people.
The second was to bring back an art form that was no longer being practised in Samoa, the traditional building and sailing of a stitch-plank vaa folau. More than simply building a canoe, this was an opportunity to bring people and knowledge together through cultural exchange, with representatives from Uvea mo Futuna joining us throughout the build and sharing knowledge that has continued to be carried in their islands.
The Samoa Voyaging Society would like to sincerely thank the French Pacific Fund for the funding that made this possible, supporting both the building of the fale ta vaa and the knowledge exchange with our Uvea mo Futuna aiga.
We are especially grateful to master builder Mikaele Masei and project representative Kolotita Seuvea for generously sharing their knowledge, experience and time with us.
We are also deeply honoured by the presence of Chief Utumaka, whose participation gave further meaning to this important connection.
A special faafetai to Le Amosa o Savavau for their partnership and commitment in carrying the project through to completion.
At its heart, Ala Vaa is about more than a canoe, it is about restoring knowledge, strengthening relationships, and creating a pathway for these traditions to be carried forward.
