
As a paddler from Micronesia, Cabrini Cruz used her YPL Small Grant to produce the Canoes of Micronesia project.
The desire for indigenous peoples across the Pacific to tell their own narrative is rising, and it is no different for the CHamoru people of Guåhan.
Cabrini Cruz, an indigenous CHamoru from Inalåhan, leads the Canoes of Micronesia project, born from the United States Embassy Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Small Grants initiative.
As a Micronesian and competitive paddler, Canoes of Micronesia, which focuses on preserving and revitalising the region’s remarkable seafaring traditions, holds deep personal significance to Cabrini.
“Our mission is to inspire youth to reconnect with their heritage and ensure this invaluable knowledge is documented and shared by Micronesians, for Micronesians,” she says.
“Too often, external entities have led the creation of resources about our region.
“This project seeks to change that narrative, prioritising local agency and perspectives.
“This year, we began collaborating with navigators and cultural experts across the region to identify the unique canoes of each island group and the project will result in a resource featuring stories of navigators’ journeys, Micronesian canoe legends, and hands-on activities to bring the traditions to life.”
Working in collaboration with a local publishing house and the Guam Department of Education, Cabrini’s day job is developing place-based social studies textbooks for students in Guåhan.
“We aim to provide our youth with materials that teach them about their own histories and heritage before learning about distant places and our connections to them,” Cabrini says.
Her work inspired the need to create her YPL Canoes of Micronesia project, including a resource for young people, which identifies canoes unique to each island or island group in Micronesia.

A canoe of Micronesia, part of Cabrini’s YPL project.
Guåhan is a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific, and to this day, it relies on US-produced textbooks, which often fail to reflect the realities, histories, and cultures of the Micronesian region, adds Cabrini.
So, telling these stories is not just about education, it is an act of decolonisation and empowerment, she adds.
“By showcasing the talent of regional authors, illustrators, teachers, and designers, we ensure the materials resonate deeply with the students and their communities, fostering pride, identity, and self-esteem.
“As my good friend Kerri Ann Borja, a CHamoru activist and educator, always says, ‘educate to liberate’.”
Catalyst for growth
Selected to attend the 2023 YPL Conference in Guam, followed by the 2024 Small Grants Programme (awarded for Canoes of Micronesia) and Sports Leadership Initiative, Cabini says it has been a transformative experience.
“YPL has been a catalyst for my growth as a leader.
“The programme creates a strong sense of regional solidarity and encourages collaboration among emerging leaders.
“It has taught me the value of listening deeply, acting with intention, and taking up space, while the friendships I’ve created are truly the best takeaway from the programme.
“I am so lucky to constantly be uplifted and inspired by my friends from all over Oceania.”
The initiative has provided her with many opportunities to grow as a leader while connecting with other young changemakers across the Pacific, she adds.
“There’s something incredibly empowering about being surrounded by people who share a vision for a stronger, more connected region.”
Her involvement with YPL has inspired her to establish the Micronesian Young Leaders initiative, along with fellow YPL alumni Mercy Nena and Danson Piyelt.
“We aim to empower young leaders across Micronesia through programmes that celebrate culture, foster community involvement, and build leadership skills.
“This year, we hosted our first cohort and look forward to next year.”
Leading with purpose
Through projects like Canoes of Micronesia, Cabrini and her team are demonstrating it is possible to create meaningful change by working collaboratively, valuing cultural knowledge, and investing in local talent.
“These efforts not only preserve traditions but also set a precedent for future generations to take pride in their culture and continue advocating for their communities.
“I believe my team and I positively impact Pacific peoples by leading with authenticity and purpose.”
While continuing to work on Canoes of Micronesia, Cabrini is looking forward to her next project, a children’s book which tells the story of a young girl who goes fishing with her grandfather set to be released in 2025.
“The book centres on generational bonds while imparting the importance of conservation.”
At the heart of everything she does, is a love for her people, culture, and the Pacific, Cabrini says.
“Whether it’s through education, storytelling, or cultural preservation, I am committed to creating spaces where our voices are heard, our stories are valued, and our futures are shaped by us.
“To see our youth taking pride in their identities and realising their potential is the greatest reward, and I am honoured to contribute to that journey.”
Visit the YPL website for more information on current initiatives.