“The traditional art of healing is so important to our society that we have elevated it to a higher level of legal protection in our Constitution,” the governor told the annual native medicine symposium held Saturday at the Manamko’ Center. “This is an essential freedom that we recognize and that we affirmed today.”
Fitial said he supports community-driven projects that aim to preserve, promote, practice and strengthen the traditional healing arts for future generations.
Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Native Americans, the workshop was organized by the Inetnon Amot Natibu/Ammwelil Safeyal Faluwasch in collaboration with the offices of the mayors of Saipan and Northern Islands.
“Let me tell you that I am personally a very firm believer in our traditional healing arts. It has worked for me and for many people I know in our community,” Fitial said. “All of us who believe in the magnificent power and spirits of our ancestors use traditional medicine to cure our illnesses — we are proud proponents of strengthening and preserving this important and meaningful cultural practice.”
Fitial said although the local people do not reject the benefits of modern medicine, many continue to believe in the healing touch of the surahanus and suruhanas and the power of traditional herbs concocted by skilled hands and spirit of ancestors.
The “surahanus and surahanas” are the islands’ traditional healers that were honored during Saturday’s event.
In his remarks, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela asked the islands’ traditional healers to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
“I strongly urge all traditional healers to pass our knowledge on to your children and grandchildren,” he said. “What will happen when all of you are gone? Support and preserve the art of natural healing…. We should start planting medicinal plants around the backyards for now and in the future.”
The symposium included demonstrations and display of native medicinal plants and artifacts, local medicinal publications and other island books, and panel discussions led by the islands surahanas and surahanus.
