What are some cultural connections?

Traditionally, knowledge was passed down from one generation to the other through storytelling, chanting, singing, and dancing. Often times, the subject was about the native surroundings, which demonstrated the people’s connection to the land, sea, and sky. Environmental management practices and sustainability efforts were taught to the next generation to ensure that there will be resources for the future. Each culture in our Network has a different name for a storyteller. In Hawaii a story teller is called haʻi moʻolelo, in Samoan he or she is a fai fagogo, and a storyteller is a taotao Estorian in Chamorro.

We continue to use traditional legends and stories to help us think about how we are connected to the natural world today. When we are more aware of our surroundings, we better understand how we impact the natural world and what we can do to protect corals and reduce the impacts of climate change.

*There are numerous versions of the following stories. Here are just a few.

This module is based on work supported by the Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring Program at the National Park Service.

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