MISSION
To reinvigorate traditional fishing customs and cultivate informed ocean stewards of all ages.
VISION
Resource conscious communities
Talaya Club Program
An opportunity for our community members to learn and be proficient at the traditional craft of talaya casting.
Our program offers a free 4 month long curriculum that will take members from having zero experience to being proficient, responsible, and resource conscious talayerus/talayeras. There are two cohort groups, a youth group & and an adult group. Family members of participants are welcome to participate at any session.
About the curriculum
Talaya Club will create a standardized, scalable curriculum that is concise and digestible, and create a certification process that is available to all ages. The curriculum will include technical craft knowledge, seasonalities of local food fishes, responsible fishing practices, catch logging and importance of fishery management, preservation/conservation modules, and group stewardship projects.
Our Values
Pacific culture.
As Pacific islanders, we believe that we are blessed to be surrounded by the ocean. As children, we played on the shores. We grow up continuing to find ourselves in the ocean- as athletes, as fishers, as a means of survival. The ocean is a part of our culture and lifestyle. We believe in access to our ocean and its resources.
Ocean conservation.
We believe in the responsible use of ocean resources. Our elders have taught us to take only what we need. Our ancestors understood the importance of being caretakers of our land and ocean.
Generational use of resources
Our elders have heard of ancient terms and practices to conserve our ocean resources which are now lost to our people due to outside influences. We strive to honor our ancestors by reclaiming conservation practices that will allow future generations to take part in traditional fishing practices.
About
The Talaya Club is a non-profit organization founded by CNMI community members who believe in the importance of honoring and preserving cultural practices. We aim to preserve the craft of traditional talaya casting while fostering ocean stewardship and responsible fishing.
David Cabrera, Program Director
Jeremiah Benavente, Instructor
Joleen Salas, Board Chair
Edward Manibusan, Board Member
Jessielynn Quitano, Board Vice Chair
Alexis Hofschneider, Board Treasurer
What's New
We need your help!
Posted: November 2022
The Talaya Club planning committee will be pursuing an Administration for Native Americans (ANA) grant opportunity and needs your help. Take our quick survey to help us take advantage of this potential funding source for programs for the CNMI community.
November 5, 2022: The Talaya Club instructor Jeremiah Benavente provided talaya casting lessons at the Tasi to Table event at American Memorial Park, Saipan.
The Tasi to Table students who participated in these lessons were engaged and enthusiastic. When it was their turn to practice talaya casting, they eagerly shared with each other what worked for them as they helped one another while learning the craft!
Thank you to Tasi to Table for having us at your event! It was a pleasure to provide lessons to your students. We look forward to future opportunities!
If you are living on Tinian or Luta, connect with us and let's start discussing how we can work together!
Talaya Club is working with American Memorial Park
Posted: November 2022
The Talaya Club planning committee met with American Memorial Park representatives to discuss a potential partnership opportunity. AMP offers great community programs and access to rental fishing gear.
To be the first to hear about updates, follow us on Instagram!
Free Talaya Classes at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
Posted: November 2022
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has offered a space for our community to gather to participate in programs for decades. The Talaya Club is excited to be a part of the space and looks forward to our upcoming collaboration.
Sign up to hear first about the details!
