In drawing up its plan for 2021-2025, the council held seven focus group sessions on Saipan from Jan. 10-11, 2020; and on Tinian and Rota from March 6-7, 2020, Humanities Council Executive Director Leo Pangelinan said.
Twenty-nine people participated in the sessions and they included local humanities scholars, practitioners and participants in the council programs.
The participants on Saipan were Eric Abragan, Ajani Burell, John Palacios, Jovannalyn Mafnas, Vivian Nogis, John Tagabuel, Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, Maureen Sebangiol, Emma Perez, Catherine Attao-Torres, Dr. Alfred Ada, Cris Ogo, Roman Tudela Jr., Catherine Perry and Donald Mendiola.
On Tinian, the participants included Jan Barcinas, Reina Cing-Cabrera, Dora San Nicolas, Janie Cruz, Rose Lazaro, Monika Diaz, Joseph San Nicolas and Melissa Aquiningoc.
Northern Marianas Humanities Council board secretary/treasurer Tracy Guerrero, left, congratulates former council member Edward Arriola Jr. who received a plaque of recognition during the 23rd Governor’s Humanities Awards ceremony held at the Pacific Islands Club-Charley’s Cabaret on Saturday. Also given the same award was Rose Soledad. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
The Rota participants were Christine Cabrera, Lynne Michael, Lucy Manglona, Ivan Mereb, Guadalupe Flores and Dean Manglona.
The goals of the strategic plan are the following:
- Preserve and promote the indigenous languages and cultures of the NMI.
- Develop and improve educational programs in literacy and language.
- Increase publications and scholarships in the humanities.
- Promote the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the NMI.
- Provide capacity-building activities for individuals to acquire the skills and tools in creating their own humanities content and programs.
The Humanities Council board members are Robert T. Torres, chairman; Theresa H. Arriola, vice chair; Tracy Guerrero, secretary/ treasurer; Polly DLG Masga, ex-officio/development committee chair; Michael A. White, nominating and by-laws committee chair; Lawrence F. Camacho, strategic planning and evaluation committee chair; Kevin H. Bautista; Ni Deleon Guerrero; Herman Guerrero; Carol Hosono; Allen M. Perez; Lee B. Tenorio; and Colin Jay Cruz.
