Join Sāmoan wayfinders Tuloutele Celeste Manuia Haʻo and Fealofani Bruun to learn how Oceanic wayfinders read the stars, waves, winds, and other environmental signs to determine course and direction. Explore wayfinding as a way of understanding Pacific knowledge systems and creating meaningful connections to culture, place, and identity.
This training is offered to Utah educators interested in learning more about wayfinding so they can incorporate this knowledge into lesson plans.
About the Presenters
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Tuloutele Celeste is a Hawaiian-Sāmoan wayfinder, educator, designer, and storyteller from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She trained under the late Pwo Navigator Kālepa Baybayan and co-navigated Hōkūleʻa on a historic journey that fulfilled her grandfather’s prophecy—returning to their village of Faleapuna, Sāmoa, “by way of sea and stars.”
At 17, Celeste was named Tuloutele, the Taupou of Faleapuna. Instead of remaining in the village, her grandfather directed her to return to Hawaiʻi, learn all she could, and one day teach their people. That calling guides her work today—blending ancestral intelligence with bold innovation to design learning experiences that reconnect ʻōiwi communities with identity, language, and place.
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Fani Bruun is the current Tapena/Captain of Gaualofa, Samoa’s very own traditional va'atele (ocean voyaging canoe), and the first Samoan Woman to qualify as a yachtmaster. Dedicated to preserving Pasefika traditional navigation, she empowers Pacific communities through cultural education and voyaging.
Fani is a Sue Taei Fellow; her project, Women, Va’a, and Whales, focuses on documenting whale lore in Samoan communities, practicing STEM activities and sharing her knowledge of voyaging to inspire the next generation of female leaders in ocean conservation and maritime skills.
Training Details
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm, snacks will be provided. Please bring a water bottle or drink.
Location: Pacific Heritage Academy, 1755 W 1100 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Training is capped at 40 participants. There is no cost to attend, please RSVP to reserve a spot.
Utah Wayfinding Week is made possible by our wonderful community partners. Fa’afetai Tele Lava!
