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Migration has been a vital part of the human experience since the dawn of time. It could be argued, in fact, that migration is the story of human experience: From our outset we followed the turn of the seasons and the movements of life, in tune with the rhythms and beats of the natural world.

The story of Polynesian navigation was one of migration: Through a deep understanding of the sea, the sky, wind and wave patterns as well as the body language of birds and fish, the ancient navigators were able to reach all the lands touched by the Pacific Ocean. They did so to explore, and to find new homes for themselves when times necessitated it.

I've always figured Star Trek would be better read as a story about explorers, navigators and migrations on a galactic scale than colonial peacekeeping and military realpolitiking.

Vaka Rangi is a narrative voyage across an ocean of stars on an outrigger canoe made of ideas and memories. It's time to set sail again, but this time we've got a new crew along for the ride. Today's essay, and all subsequent essays in this project, will be posted over at Eruditorum Press, the excellent group blog maintained by terrific writers like Phil Sandifer, Jack Graham, Jane Campbell, Holly Boson, James Murphy and Kevin Burns. It feels natural and invigorating to be part of an exercise in solidarity with fellow travellers like this, but more importantly it's an honour and a delight for me to finally be able to count myself among the ranks of people who have been colleagues and dear friends of mine for many years now.

We can't know where we're going unless we come to terms with where we came from, and for that reason this blog will remain up. I thank you for all the support and kindness you've shown me here over the years, and I hope you'll continue to follow me and my friends in whatever journeys and adventures the future holds in store for us.