MEMBERS of the Refaluwasch community on Saturday gathered on Managaha to honor their ancestor, Chief Aghurubw of Satawal.
The 54th annual event drew close to 350 Refaluwasch families and other CNMI residents, who were provided free transportation by Haggan Tasi and Coral Queen.
Chief Aghurubw is buried on Managaha, where a statue stands in his honor.
A navigator, Chief Aghurubw led his people from typhoon-devastated Satawal to what is now Saipan in the early 19th century.
Hosted by the Chief Aghurubw Foundation, the Chief Aghurubw Day celebration on Saturday started with a Mass led by Rev. Fr. Isidro T. Ogumoro. There were also cultural dance performances by Simiyan Marianas and other young members of the Refaluwasch community from Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School and Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.
Lunch was provided to everyone.
In his remarks, Chief Aghurubw Foundation President Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong reflected on the legacy of Chief Aghurubw.
“Imagine the leadership and courage it takes to escape calamity, destruction, and disaster in order to make a better life for your people. Today, we celebrate courage, today we celebrate leadership. The courage and leadership of our Somwool, Aghurubw of Satawal, of Ngusschul, of Elato, and of other navigators to improve the lives of their people,” Ogumoro-Uludong said.
He said the resilience that flowed through their veins allows today’s generation of Refaluwasch to weather storms and other disasters. For that, he said, “we are grateful and indebted to them,” referring to Chief Aghurubw and their other ancestors.
“Let us be reminded once again of the humility and respect that is a cornerstone of our culture and identity. Speaking of culture, many are unaware, but it is this celebration of Chief Aghurubw that sets the stage for what we know as Cultural Heritage Month,” Ogumoro-Uludong said.
“Let us be reminded of our cultural values and traditions that make us a unique people of these islands,” he added.
Also participating in the commemoration on Managaha were Rep. John Paul Sablan, Rep. Manny Gregory T. Castro, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, Special Assistant for Substance Abuse Addiction & Rehabilitation Program Diego M. Sablan, Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan O. Igisomar and U.S. congressional delegate candidate John Oliver Delos Reyes Bolis Gonzales.
Rep. John Paul Sablan said that, as chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation, he wanted to thank the Refaluwasch community for the annual tradition of celebrating and honoring Chief Aghurubw and his contributions to the Refaluwasch people.
“It’s always been an honor for the Saipan delegation to support this event financially, every year,” he said, adding that the annual event is something that members of the Refaluwasch community, as well as tourists, look forward to every year.
Special Assistant Diego M. Sablan, whose paternal grandmother was Refaluwasch, said: “I think it is important to connect to our roots. So coming to the event you can feel the spirit of our ancestors as we honor them.”
He added, “And that is very important and we should never forget them. Today, we honor them as we come together as one community and I am grateful to be here.”
Castro said it was a beautiful day to honor Chief Aghurubw and all the Refaluwasch families. He said it was “really nice to see, that as years go by, the tradition continues to grow.”
He said it is important to remember that Managaha is not just a tourist destination, but it also has historical and meaningful significance to the local community. “So Happy Chief Aghurubw Day!” Castro said.
Gonzales said the annual event is “part…of our culture,” and the descendants of Chief Aghurubw “have been [part of the] fabric of our community, so we must celebrate that oneness and unity now and into the future because diversity and unity are what make us a great community….”
Refaluwasch community members perform a hymn during the commemoration of Chief Aghrubw Day on Managaha, Saturday.
Chief Aghurubw Foundation President Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong delivers his opening remarks.
Members of a cultural dance group pose for photo with Chief Aghurubw Foundation President Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong near the statue of Chief Aghurubw on Managaha.
