Aghurubw commemoration on Saturday

One of the main activities that will mark the celebration of September as Cultural Heritage Month is the 47th Annual commemoration of Chief Aghurubw on Managaha Island on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017.

This year’s commemoration highlights this year’s celebration of 202 years since the first settlement of the Carolinians in the Marianas in the year 1815.

On behalf of the Carolinian community, the Chief Aghurubw Foundation, the Refaluwasch Advisory Council, and the Office of the Executive Assistant for Carolinian Affairs, the public is invited to join in this memorial celebration of Chief Aghurubw.

Chief Aghurubw, the legendary Carolinian chief and traditional navigator, set sail from Satawal in the Western Caroline Islands over 200 years ago, to seek refuge for his people when a major typhoon devastated their islands.

Oral and written history passed through generations spoke of how in 1815, Chief Aghurubw braved uncertainties ahead to relocate his people, many of whom faced starvation through losses suffered from the typhoon. He navigated the voyage to the Marianas and paid a visit to then Spanish Gov. Medinilla on Guam and asked permission for the resettlement on Saipan. Medinilla granted official approval and bestowed Aghurubw with a legal certificate, a cane, and a top hat, signifying Medinilla’s approval of settlement.

Chief Aghurubw was often seen wearing the hat, which earned him the nickname “Parung” (hat).

The official approval from Medinilla distinguished Chief Aghurubw as a paramount chief. Upon his death, members of his clan, the Ghatoliyόόl Clan, carried out his wish that he be buried on Managaha Island (Ghalaghal). And as the burial ground of Chief Aghurubw, Managaha Island has become and is well respected as a sacred ground by the Carolinians; which leads to the island’s historical and cultural significance.

In memory of Chief Aghurubw, a monument was erected on Sept. 18, 1970, on Managaha, heralding the “First Official Annual Commemoration of Chief Aghurubw.” His statue, which stands today on Managaha, commemorates his achievements and leadership to assure of his people’s safety and welfare.

The annual tribute to Chief Aghurubw will include boat trips to and from Managaha, a commemoration Mass, official remarks, lunch, and traditional performances. Following are the schedules for boat transfers to and from Managaha from Smiling Cove Marina:

1. Jambalaya (Saipan Sea Ventures)
Departing from Outer Cove Marina 8am, 10:30am
Departing from Managaha to Outer Cove Marina 3:30pm, 4:30pm

2. Haggan Tasi
Departing from Inner Cove, Marina 7:55am
Departing from Managaha to Inner Cove Marina 4pm

The public is invited to attend the commemoration event. For more details and schedule of events, call Carolinian Affairs Office at 234-6385 or log onto the Chief Aghurubw Foundation Facebook page.