Previous Story
September is Chamorro and Carolinian Heritage Month
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses with first lady Diann, Carolinian Affairs executive assistant for John I. Tagabuel, and members of the Indigenous Affairs Office and the Carolinian Affairs Office after signing a proclamation making the month of September as the Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month during last Saturday’s Labor Day celebration in Garapan Fishing Base. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
To celebrate the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian heritage and culture, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed a proclamation declaring the month of September as Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month during last Saturday’s Labor Day celebration at the Garapan Fishing Base.
The governor was joined in the proclamation signing by Carolinian Affairs executive assistant for John I. Tagabuel, members of the Indigenous Affairs Office, the Carolinian Affairs Office, CNMI government employees, and several members of the community.
As the month will be geared to highlighting the islands’ roots and heritage, two notable dates will be Sept. 23, and 24, 2022, with Sept. 23 celebrating the 36th anniversary commemoration of the 13 Fishermen Lost at Sea and the following day as a dedication for all traditional Maga’lahi and Samool [the fathers or head of a clan] and also historical figure Chief Aghurubw.
The inception of the proclamation was to highlight, display, and celebrate the CNMI’s culture, with the intention of promoting it to visitors and also preserving it for the children of generations to come. The proclamation also recognized the countless individuals who dedicated their life to the preservation of the CNMI’s heritage and culture, noting the labors of historical animistic chief and principal lord Ladahao, a Maga’lahi, respected leader, and fierce warrior, who had led his people in a brave battle to defend the island during Spanish invasion. He later lost his life because of it.
Torres encouraged all public and private sectors and organizations and all Chamorros and Carolinians to join in this month’s celebration of culture and life.
Torres stated in the proclamation “I invite and encourage our government and business sectors, especially our schools, hotels, and restaurants and other activities where our residents and visitors congregate, to facilitate cultural exhibits and performances. I urge the entire CNMI community to take this opportunity to celebrate our unique cultural heritage, through our attire, music, dance, language, and traditions.”
