GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios on Tuesday proclaimed September as Chamorro and Carolinian Heritage Month at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan on Tuesday.
The CNMI will also commemorate on Thursday, Sept. 23, those who have been lost at sea, most especially the 13 fishermen who were aboard the MV Olwol when it capsized somewhere between Pagan and Maug while Typhoon Ben passed nearby on Sept. 23, 1986.
In addition, Saturday, Sept. 25 will be dedicated to Chief Aghurubw and all other traditional Maga’låhi (high-ranking male head of a Chamorro clan) and Samwool (Carolinian chief).
“The Chamorro and Carolinian people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are very proud of our cultures and traditions,” the proclamation stated.
“Our heritage represents an array of distinct cultures that enrich both our indigenous people in many ways. Our way of life is valued through language, culture, customs, and traditions that we continue to embrace. Therefore, we dedicate our uniqueness by celebrating the month of September as our Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month.”
According to the proclamation, “Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month will provide us more opportunities to showcase our unique cultures and traditions. As Chamorros and Carolinians, we need to continue to educate and inspire our younger generation on the importance of our ways of living. We shall further promote and showcase them, so it may continue to flourish.”
Dedication and remembrance are very much part of the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, the proclamation stated.
“We recognize and honor the historical account of an animistic chief and principal lord named Ladahao, a Maga’låhi, who lived in a village called Araiao located along the southwestern shore of the island of Saipan… Our ancestors, who made their homes on these islands continue to live together in peace and harmony. With this, we strive for peace, we embrace unity, and we extend to all our culture’s peace, harmony and friendship,” the proclamation stated.
“In light of this momentous occasion and to continue promoting the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures and traditions,” the Torres-Palacios administration “encourages all Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as the public and private sectors, to further display these unique island heritages through the wearing of traditional attire and adornment throughout the month of September.”
Furthermore, the administration invites and encourages both the government and business sectors, especially all schools, hotels and restaurants and other activities where our residents and visitors congregate, to facilitate cultural exhibits and performances.
They likewise urged the entire CNMI community to take this opportunity to celebrate their unique cultural heritage through attire, music, dance, language, and traditions.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, right, and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios sign a proclamation designating September as Chamorro and Carolinian Heritage Month at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan on Tuesday morning.
From left, Indigenous Affairs Office program manager Cris Ogo, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Carolinian Affairs Office Executive Assistant John Tagabuel at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan on Tuesday morning.
