The Pacific Migration and Traditional Voyaging

Regular and lottery registration open on January 8, 2026.
Dates: February 5, 2026
Meets: Th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
 Location: Online
Cost:  $5.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
02/05/2026Thursday1 PM to 2 PM

OR

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

The Polynesian triangle, spanning from Hawai'i to Rapa Nui to Aotearoa, was populated by voyagers who traveled by boat from Taiwan and Southeast Asia approximately 5,000 years ago. This presentation will cover the evidence for this migration as well as introduce traditional voyaging and navigation. This way of life is undergoing a remarkable revival. Jennifer Kingsley has been studying this revival with a Master Navigator from the Cook Islands for several years. She will present her story and the results of her research.

Program Takeaways

Participants will:

  • Gain an understanding of how the Pacific islands became populated.
  • Receive an introduction to the art and science of traditional voyaging.
  • Discover the cultural revival and the resurgence of an ancient way of life.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Fee:  $5.00

Online

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

We will send you a reminder email with login instructions one business day before the program start date. If there are additional sessions, we will send reminders the morning of those sessions.

Jennifer Kingsley

Jennifer Kingsley is a journalist and guide from Ottawa, Canada, who specializes in personal stories from around the world. Jennifer is a National Geographic Explorer, a National Outdoor Book Award recipient, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and an award-winning radio documentary producer. She is helping to document the resurgence of traditional Polynesian voyaging in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.