“The CNMI culture has changed in a very swift and dramatic way over the years, but as a melting pot of diversified cultures, it could be a wonderful and unique place unlike other places in the world,” said Sablan, who was one of the panelists in the roundtable discussion in the American Memorial Park auditorium on Tuesday.
She added that about 52 nationalities with different cultures have settled in the CNMI.
Citizens advocate Ed Propst, another panelist, said he believes in the value of protecting cultures.
“For the first time, we are talking about the culture and the impact of federalization and this is a good way of exchanging views,” Propst said.
“There’s a lot of importance to protecting our cultures,” he said.
He added that federalization is not a threat but it provides an avenue for cultures to flourish.
Other panelists included attorney Viola Alepuyo, Taotao Tano president Greg Cruz, Northern Marianas College President Carmen Fernandez, NMC instructor Sam McPhetres, former Speaker Oscar Rasa, and workers advocate Irene Tantiado.
Attorney Robert T. Torres moderated the discussion which drew over a hundred guests.
Sponsored by the NMI Humanities Council, the event was also streamed live on the Internet.
The discussions were based on materials written by Erla Zwingle and Wade Davis.
