Yapese leaders proposed restoring Bechiel village as the Maap Cultural Center under chief and master builder John Tamag.

What happened

Traditional leaders, elected officials and community leaders were worried about the loss of traditional building skills. The plan was to rebuild a men’s meetinghouse (pebaey) and a sailing canoe and restore the village. Tamag, Yap’s only surviving traditional architect, did not speak English, so preservation officer Andrew Kugfas translated for him.

Why it matters

Yapese leaders directed the revival of their own building traditions.