CNMI officials led by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang pose for a photo with local culture advocates and staff of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.
A student of Francisco M. Sablan Middle School reads the proclamation in Chamorro. It was likewise read in Refaluwasch.
OCTOBER was designated as Humanities Month at a proclamation signing ceremony on Tuesday at the NMI Museum of History and Culture.
This year’s theme is “Strengthening Our Shared Heritage,” which is also an invitation to examine shared experiences in the Marianas that may get overlooked, Northern Marianas Humanities Council Executive Director Leo Pangelinan said in his remarks.
He also shared some of the issues that the museum is facing.
“As you walk through the museum today you will not see artifacts that help us understand the economic and cultural impact of our Commonwealth history. You will not be immersed in stories or the experiences and contributions of our [non-Northern Marianas Descent] communities and their descendants. And you will not be enlightened about what it means to be a Chamorro or Carolinian in today’s Commonwealth,” Pangelinan said.
“I say these things not to take anything away from the museum but to stress this point: our cultural institutions — they need strengthening,” he added.
At the Humanities Council, he said the work that they do helps record and share the way the people of the Marianas relate to each other.
“[We] focused on navigating and exploring who we are through projects and educational programs that examine our history and culture, inspire conversations and stories that honor our diverse experiences, and provide space for critical thinking and creative expression,” he said.
These include the Rope of Tradition program, which aims “to provide stipends to individuals who share indigenous knowledge and skills in the form of a workshop, presentation, or demonstration in a Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies course.”
The Humanities Council has also funded the Minagåhet – Ellet Project, which examined media literacy, media use and perceptions, and civic attitudes among CNMI residents.
It likewise sponsors My Marianas, an essay-writing contest for high school students.
In her remarks, Gretchen Smith, Humanities Council board vice chair, said: “I challenge each and every one of you to ask yourself how can we strengthen our shared heritage to cultivate a future that realizes and reflects our shared values.”
After Pangelinan and Smith concluded their addresses, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang signed the proclamation, which was read in Chamorro and Refaluwasch by students of Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.
Program Coordinator Leeani Villagomez then concluded the event by announcing that the Governor’s Humanities Awards will take place on Oct. 17, and the Sengebau Poetry Competition is set for Oct. 20.
Leo Pangelinan, Humanities Council executive director, delivers his remarks at a proclamation singing from earlier this year.
