MANUEL Mangarero was among the panelists who discussed Carolinian or Refaluwasch customs and traditions on land use, family dynamics and related subjects in a conversation hosted by the Judiciary Historical Society at the Guma Hustisia on Friday, Oct. 6, as part of the judiciary’s annual Commonwealth Cultural Day celebration.
Mangarero, among other things, asked the judges and justices for their indulgence whenever he shows respect to his sisters during a court proceeding.
“When I go to court,” he said, “and I am the client or the defendant, and I have a sister who I’m going up against in court, when they walk in, I have to stand up. The court does not allow that. I’m just asking your indulgence [to] recognize this part of our culture…. When an individual stands up…the judge becomes intimidated, and the bailiffs tell you to sit down. I don’t want to be disrespectful to the court, but culturally I must stand up and give that respect to my sister.”
Mangarero said he and his wife, Angelica Warakaizinoef-Mangarero, raised 10 children under the Refaluwasch tradition of “Fa’ am,” and have also adopted one son as part of the “Mwei Mwei” custom.
“In my culture, as a Carolinian man, with my wife, we tend to adopt…our brothers’ and sisters’ children into our family. Mwei Mwei, as I understand, the court has approved it. It’s when I [adopt] a child as a Carolinian…and raised him/her. During the time I am raising this child…and if the child stays with me, all that time, and I have already spoken to the [biological] parents that I will keep the child, [that is] ‘Mwei Mwei,’ ” Mangarero said.
He then talked about the difference between “Fa’am” and “Mwei Mwei.”
“Fa’am is when you help raise their children who can come and go…but with Mwei Mwei, that’s when I took the child in, and the child belongs to me culturally. And I am very happy that the [local] courts have [recognized] [that part of our] culture.”
Joining Mangarero on the panel were Lino Olopai, former Rep. Melvin O. Faisao, former Rep. Ramon Tebuteb and Cecilio Raikiulipiy. Catherine R. Perry served as the moderator.
Also featured was a separate discussion on Chamorro customs and traditions.
In addition, the judiciary’s Commonwealth Cultural Day celebration showcased exhibits, handicrafts, and culinary delicacies from across the Pacific region.
Among those who attended the event were Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy, Sen. Corina Magofna, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, other court and government officials as well as elementary school students with their Chamorro and Carolinian teachers.
In an interview, Magistrate Judge Kennedy said: “The cultural tradition presentations are a vital part of our professional development.”
She added, “When you can understand some of the cultures [of the people] who appear before you — if you have an understanding of where they may be coming from…then with that knowledge you can be respectful in addressing their perspectives, even in pronouncing their names….”
CNMI judiciary officials pose for a photo with Refaluwasch cultural experts in the Marianas.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, Sen. Corina Magofna, Rep. Denita Yangetmai and other officials listen to the panelists during the Commonwealth Cultural Day celebration at the Guma Hustisia on Friday.
Attorneys and other community members attend a presentation on customs, traditions and law at the Guma Hustisia on Friday.
Students and community members enjoy the cultural performances, exhibits and culinary presentations during the Commonwealth Cultural Day celebration at the Guma Hustisia on Friday.
Flower mwaar makers pose for a photo.
Coconut basket weavers and their creations.
Deputy Clerk of Court Novelyn Tenorio discusses the Marshall Islands’ culinary delicacies and handicrafts with a teacher and her students.
