By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE CNMI is mourning the loss of Lino Mettao “Tata Lino” Olopai, a revered Carolinian cultural leader, master navigator, and knowledge bearer who passed away peacefully on Thursday at the age of 86.
Olopai was widely regarded as one of the most influential cultural figures in the Marianas. Known for his deep command of Carolinian history, oral traditions, and non-instrument navigation, he played a central role in the revival of traditional seafaring and cultural practices across the islands. His teachings shaped generations of navigators, cultural practitioners, and community members.
To many, he was more than an elder — he was a father figure, a grandfather, a brother, and a mentor whose humility and generosity defined his leadership. Community members said his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but his legacy endures through the knowledge he preserved and the lives he touched.
In a statement, Gov, David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis James C. Mendiola noted that Olopai “devoted his life to safeguarding the wisdom of our ancestors and ensuring it would continue to guide future generations. Through his work as a cultural historian, navigator, educator, and language advocate, he served as a vital bridge between tradition and progress. His commitment to preserving Carolinian language, history, and values strengthened the cultural foundation of the Commonwealth and reinforced the importance of knowing who we are as a people.”
The governor and lieutenant governor “extend their deepest condolences to the Olopai family and to the many students, colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by Lino’s knowledge, humility, and generosity of spirit. As the Commonwealth reflects on his passing, we honor a life lived with purpose, courage, and an unwavering devotion to the preservation of our shared heritage.”
Luella I. Marciano, resident executive of the Indigenous Affairs Office, said: “We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we take solace in the immense honor of having shared in his wisdom. His passion for preserving and sharing his vast knowledge of our culture and traditions was unmatched.”
The Northern Marianas Humanities Council said the Marianas “lost a great cultural icon.”
“Tata Lino was a knowledge bearer — a leader, visionary, friend, and respected elder — who shared his wisdom generously and with joy,” the Council said. “He was deeply committed to ensuring that traditions endured and that cultural knowledge was carried forward to future generations.”
Olopai’s contributions spanned writing, teaching, and public education. He authored “The Rope of Tradition, was featured in the Cultural Icons” series, and appeared multiple times on “Your Humanities Half Hour.” He also contributed to the Council’s documentary “Navigating Cultures: Seafaring Returns to the CNMI.”
In 2004, he received the Governor’s Humanities Award for the Preservation of Traditional Cultural Practices.
As a master navigator, Olopai was instrumental in the renaissance of seafaring in the Marianas. He served as both participant and advisor on numerous cultural voyages and educational projects, freely sharing his knowledge of canoe building, star navigation, and Carolinian heritage. Olopai was part of the same Carolinian navigational tradition that produced master navigator Pius “Mau” Piailug, renowned for preserving non-instrument navigation and for guiding the Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1976 voyage that sparked the modern revival of Polynesian voyaging. The two shared a cultural lineage rooted in Pacific wayfinding.
“We will meet again just beyond the horizon, Tata Lino. May your seas be calm, the winds be strong, and your voyage be true,” the Council said.
NMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro also honored Olopai’s legacy.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lino Olopai,” Castro said. “He was a respected cultural leader whose wisdom and commitment to preserving our traditions enriched our community and strengthened understanding between culture and the law. We honor his life, his dedication to preserving culture, and the meaningful example he set for those who will carry his work forward.”
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library likewise honored “the life, legacy, and literary contributions of indigenous Carolinian leader and author Lino Olopai, whose voice and dedication to cultural preservation left a lasting impact on the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”
JKPL noted that his book, “The Rope of Tradition: Reflections of a Saipan Carolinian,” written with the assistance of cultural anthropologist Dr. Juliana Flinn, was selected as the Library of Congress Affiliate: NMI Center for the Book–Joeten-Kiyu Public Library 2024 Official Adult Book Selection for the Northern Mariana Islands.
As the Adult Book of the Year, “The Rope of Tradition” was included in the prestigious “Great Reads from Great Places” list at the 2024 National Book Festival hosted by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
“Through The Rope of Tradition, Lino Olopai shared powerful reflections of Carolinian history, identity, and resilience,” JKPL said. “His words serve as a bridge between generations, preserving stories that define who we are as island people.
“Beyond his published work, Lino was a cherished presence at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. He generously shared his Carolinian heritage with our youth, singing chants and sharing stories at the Children of Our Homeland Center, also known as the Children’s Library. He loved the library deeply and often spent time visiting, connecting, and inspiring members of our community wherever he went.”
A special display featuring “The Rope of Tradition” is currently showcased at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Pacific Room.
“We invite the public to visit, reflect, and celebrate his enduring contributions,” the library said. “Lino Olopai was a respected leader among the Carolinian people, a cultural bearer, and a champion of literacy. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations. We will miss him dearly. Thank you, Lino Olopai, for your invaluable contributions to the CNMI.”
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
