April 13 - Lots to Share

We have been busy in the field and also working hard to refine our dancing/drumming/singing for the farewell dinner and dance performance for the host families. The students have been remarkable - so engaged and enthusiastic for every experience!

A series of student reflections share insights about some of the things that have been keeping us busy! David, Fakhereddine, and Jennifer

Plant Dye + Traditional knowledge vs. Western Science – Hallie

Traditional knowledge is derived from similar methodologies as western science – through observation and experimentation to address a problem or answer a question. The problem in question today was creating colors, specifically deriving natural dyes from plants.

Mariella led us around the garden to collect plants. Before we could remove branches and leaves from trees, we must ask for its permission – a reflection of the interconnected relationship between the Polynesian people and nature; while western science removes the scholar from the subject, traditional knowledge includes humans in the picture and studies their impacts on and relationships with the world around them.

After we gathered every plant we needed, we sat around in a circle and prepared the dye: red, purple, and yellow. Mariella, as the eldest among us, demonstrated the process as we listened attentively, eager to see how she will transform leaves and berries into usable dye. We pinched the mati berries and coated tou leaves with their sap; we then minced these leaves over straws, dying them red. Purple is derived from the center stem of fallen purau (hibiscus) flowers. Most surprisingly, when we sliced the miro fruits, bright yellow sap flowed out, a natural yellow dye (or nail polish!).

We have learned that much of traditional science evolves around survival – practical and real-life-oriented knowledge passed down through generations. This experience helped me further realize that science should not exist in a vacuum, and environmental science can greatly benefit from incorporating the knowledge of indigenous peoples.

A day with our host families: Jon P.

As our departure for Tetiaroa comes closer and closer, our time together with our host families grows more and more limited. This past Saturday, we enjoyed the entire day with the company of our host families. Immediately after our first day on Moorea our host mom and dad, Teraimateata and Hiria, as well as the kids, Teavanui and Kainoarii welcomed us into the family with open arms. Getting the chance to meet many members of their extended family for Easter weekend, we started the day with freshly cooked breadfruit harvested and baked over a fire by Hiria, as family members started showing up and greeting us. As containers full of homemade Tahitian foods filled the cooler, we loaded up everyone’s cars for a day at our family’s beach house, spending time with friends and family on the beautiful shores of Moorea. After a quick post-beach nap, our host family took us to watch Polynesian dance performed by a local group on Moorea – we took some note in preparation for our upcoming dance performance! I cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are for the warmth and hospitality our host families have shown us. As our departure grows near, it becomes harder and harder to think about leaving our families. This is a day I’m sure many of us will hold close to our hearts for a very long time.  

Snorkeling Excursion: Mulki A.

Today, we spent our afternoon on a snorkel excursion. Before we began, we saw turtles and rays swimming around the motus, which was an exciting way to start our adventure. We started out snorkeling in a coral garden, which was full of colorful corals and tons of different fish. Some of the highlights were seeing boxfish, tobys, and MANY butterfly fish. Even more exciting than our time in the coral garden, was snorkeling at the sharks and rays spot. We all got a chance to swim alongside sharks and rays in their natural habitat, and I think I speak for us all when I say that this was one of the most exciting moments of our trip. I even had a chance to snorkel alongside a reef shark. My host family always calls the reef sharks little puppies, and after spending time with them, their gentle and curious nature affirmed this sentiment.