Indigenous maritime heritage

Indigenous maritime heritage encompasses the skills, traditions, and knowledge Indigenous communities have developed for living, exploring, and thriving in maritime environments. It includes ancestral navigation techniques, boat-building methods, fishing practices, and stories connected to the sea. This heritage reflects deep cultural bonds to waters and islands, demonstrating sustainable resource use and spiritual significance. Recognizing Indigenous maritime heritage helps preserve important cultural identities and promotes understanding of their long-standing relationship with marine ecosystems.