The Tri-Nations Exchange: A Regenerative Journey Led by Indigenous Youth

The Tri-Nations Exchange marks the first in a series of regenerative journeys through Vanuatu’s Penama Province — a ten-day voyage by traditional canoe, guided by Indigenous youth and elders, and grounded in cultural exchange, healing, and intergenerational learning.

This first iteration is a youth exchange facilitated by Regenerative Vanua, bringing together Indigenous young people from the hosting Vanuas in Vanuatu, along with youth from Aotearoa, Australia, and other Pacific Islands. Participants will travel between Vanuas, staying with regenerative agritourism operators, engaging in traditional food practices, farming systems, and storian — sharing knowledge, stories, and connections across nations.

The youth-led exchange is supported by a partnership between Regenerative Vanua, Native Nations, and WAITOC, with all three organisations raising the funds through sponsor contributions to ensure Indigenous youth can participate.

This exchange lays the foundation for future journeys. In the next phases, Regenerative Vanua will host paid visitor programs, allowing travellers to follow in the footsteps of the youth exchange — staying in Vanuas, learning from Indigenous hosts, and contributing to the continuation of land-based knowledge systems through ethical, Vanua-led tourism.

Together, this partnership and process mark a step forward in deepening cultural continuity, reciprocity, and Indigenous-led regenerative practices across the Pacific.

To read more about the Indigenous youth exchange from our collaborators at Native Nations, read this Facebook post.