(Press Release) — The Inafa’maolek Manhoben Marianas Cultural Immersion Retreat ran from July 11 to 24 as the culminating event of the five-week summer camp that was implemented in each island.
Thirty-three youths 14-17 years old from Guam, Luta, Saipan, and Tinian came together to celebrate our cultural traditions and learn about the interconnectedness of the Marianas. They were immersed in the pristine natural beauty and resources in Rota, learning survival skills, cultural arts, and team building. Youth stayed at the Manamko’ Center in Sinapalo, and also camped out at Teteto Beach.
The retreat featured hands-on activities and excursions that highlighted our way of life. Guided by knowledgeable practitioners, they slaughtered and processed a cow for their meals, made coconut oil, drank Chamorro medicine, and learned and performed chants, songs, and dances. The group paid homage at ancestral sacred sites like “Taga Stone” Quarry, Mochong and Maya latte villages, and Chugai cave. Donovan Cabrera, age 16 from Saipan, said “I saw the real Marianas in front of my eyes.”
The participants also engaged in open discussions about their lifestyles and experiences per island. They also interviewed the manamko’ of Luta about their lives “back in the day.” Emerging leaders had the opportunity to share their perspectives at a public hearing hosted by the CNMI’s Office of Planning and Development. Devin Cing, age 17 from Tinian shared, “The visions I have for our future is for our islands to be united again.”
Project Director Eva Cruz reflects on the successes and challenges of the camp, “It wasn’t an easy task, but I believe we lived up to our name, inafa’maolek. Program staff and youth had to apply the skills and values that enabled our ancestors to thrive here for thousands of years: cooperation, adaptation, appreciation, and resilience.”
The Inafa’maolek Youth Heritage Program, the CNMI Office of Indigenous Affairs, and the Rota Mayor’s Office were awarded this grant by the Northern Marianas Humanities Council. Inafa’maolek Youth is a federally funded program awarded to Sanctuary, Incorporated of Guam by the Administration of Native Americans, and is in its last year of implementation. To support the sustainability of this project, call Eva Cruz at 671-483-0111.
Inafa’maolek Manhoben Marianas youth and staff gather for a photo at As Matmos Cliff.
Master Weaver, Joe Babauta, or “Siñot Dågu,” teaches youth to weave a “ketupat,”,a rice pouch which was used as a traditional way of cooking rice in ancient Chamoru times.
Some of the experienced boys got a chance to spearfish at Teteto Beach during the campout when the water was calm. From left: Devin Cing (Tinian), Landen Atalig (Luta), Jude Leon Guerrero (Guåhan) and Hombre Hocog (Tinian).
Lourdes Manglona, also known as “Mama Lou,” guides the youth through the process of making åmot kabadiyu, which the youth drank throughout the camp to boost their immune systems.
Camp participants present their chants and dances to the Rota mayor, parents, and community as a token of appreciation to the host island.
The famalao’an work together to lay out cuts of the cow meat to “tala” on the rocks, Rota Style, at Swimming Hole.
Camp participants learn a traditional styled Chamorro chant written and taught by Siñot Jeremy Cepeda.
