The hope is the revival of te rabwata (traditional navigation using stars and waves) in local schools. The hope is the young I-Kiribati rapper on Instagram mixing drill beats with the cadence of ancient chants. I came looking for a place. I left understanding a philosophy.
Next time you see a map of the Pacific, don't just see the dots. See the Iribati. iribati
Mauri (hello) and Kam bati n rabw a (thank you for reading). Are you familiar with the culture of Kiribati? Have you ever heard the term "Iribati" before? Let me know in the comments below. The hope is the revival of te rabwata
In an era of extreme individualism, the Iribati way is a radical counterpoint: Te Raoi (Peace) vs. The Rising Tide There is a beautiful word in the Kiribati language: Te Raoi . It means peace, tranquility, and the feeling of a calm lagoon. I left understanding a philosophy
Yet, Iribati exists in a cruel paradox. The average height of the islands is just two meters above sea level. The same ocean that provides fish and the serene Raoi is slowly swallowing their ancestors’ graves.