(Press Release) — 500 Sails was the recipient of a 2021 U.S. Accelerator Catalyst Grant awarded by the Sierra Club to its leaders who attended last year’s Women’s Earth Alliance U.S. Grassroots Accelerator program.
Emma Perez, board president and co-founder of 500 Sails, was nominated for the program and accepted, where she submitted a proposal to fund a swimming class for women and teenage girls.
The unique aspect of the Sirena Project swimming program is that these lessons are infused with cultural aspects relating to the natural world — wisdom shared by our cultural practitioners and master navigators.
The project aims not only to promote stewardship of the ocean, but to also empower young women to be comfortable in their own skin, gain a better outlook on life, nurture connections with others, and also, for an hour, take them away from the draw of technology and social media to try something new.
Furthermore, the program offers a natural, alternative outlet for an active lifestyle to help address suicide rates in the CNMI that are twice that of the national average; young girls were twice as likely as boys to have experienced a depressive episode at the age of 15.
Studies show that swimming improves mental and social well-being for all and even improves physical strength and balance in seniors.
If you are unsure of your health status, have multiple health problems, or are pregnant, please consult a general physician before starting this new exercise regimen.
The 500 Sails Sirena Project empowers women and teenage girls in the CNMI to lead the community by becoming keepers and sharers of canoe culture through swim classes and storytelling.
The grant also includes a limited number of stipends for certain participants who are willing to commit to becoming swim teachers for the community sometime in the future.
These free swim lessons take place every Sunday at 11 a.m. at Guma Sakman, taught by Master Swim Instructor Andrea Carr.
“Cultural storytelling is a huge component of teaching; there’s so much wisdom to be passed on and we’re only scratching at the surface,” said Carr.
This project was made possible by support from the Women’s Earth Alliance through the Sierra Club. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the funders.
About 500 Sails
500 Sails is a 501(c)(3) and CNMI tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to reviving, promoting, and preserving the maritime cultural traditions of the Mariana Islands through community engagement in canoe cultural values and activities.
500 Sails’ vision is a healthy thriving native community that has successfully integrated traditional cultural values into modern life.
Major supporting partners include the CNMI Office of Indigenous Affairs, IT&E, and the Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc. – Canoe Federation.
For more information on programs, call (670) 323-7245 (SAIL), email info@500sails.org, or follow 500 Sails on Facebook and Instagram.
Sirena Project swimmers with swim coach Emma Perez, third right.
Photo shows Sirena Project swimmers as Neni, a white sail canoe, sails by the beach off Guma Sakman.
