WAM in The Hague

October 18 until November 18 was a special time for WAM in world-renowned The Hague, Netherlands. A dynamic exhibition program known as Climate as Artifact was on full display in which artists, designers, scientists and society were brought together to review our perception of culture and nature. Amidst all of the various exhibitions was our very own lead trainer from WAM, Isocker Anwel, designing and building a traditional Marshallese canoe. Isocker was invited as a representative of WAM by Esther Kokmeijer to help build a traditional Marshallese outrigger canoe for the exhibition. Isocker left for The Hague on October 15th. Upon arriving, the task of building a traditional sailing canoe in just under 2 weeks started right away. Working closely with Esther Kokmeijer and Henrik Richter-Alten (GIZ) in building and designing a traditional Marshallese outrigger canoe thousands of miles away from home left a big mark on Isocker. “To see that even thousands of miles away, people want to know more about my culture, and a big part of that culture is centered on our canoes, that left a big impression on me. It taught me that that what we do in WAM is important, not just for Marshallese, but for other cultures as well.” This kind of trip and exposure goes hand-in-hand with WAM’s mission since its inception in the late 1990s, which has always been to work with the youth, their families and the local and international community to preserve and protect Marshallese culture and tradition through canoe building and sailing, and through this cultural connection develop life skills and a work ethic that creates meaning in the lives of all participants.

Isockar Anwel arriving in Netherlands Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Isocker Anwel arriving in Netherlands
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

The structure for the canoe is laid out! Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

The structure for the canoe is laid out!
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Outrigger float side by side with the canoe Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Outrigger float side by side with the canoe
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Outrigger float side by side with the main canoe Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Outrigger float side by side with the main canoe
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Connecting the float to the main canoe Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Connecting the float to the main canoe
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Epoxy being applied to the canoe. Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Epoxy being applied to the canoe.
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Building the hull and measuring the sail Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Building the hull and measuring the sail
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Outrigger canoe laid out next to the sail
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Complete and ready to sail! Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Complete and ready to sail!
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Isockar Anwel with the finished product Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

Isocker Anwel with the finished product
Photo: Esther Kokmeijer

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