We, the Chamorro and Carolinian people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are very proud of our cultures and traditions. 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.
WHEREAS, 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.
WHEREAS, dedication and remembrance are very much part of our culture. In particular, respect and recognition of family values will be observed toward our familial heritage, traditional chiefs, clans, Samwool and Maga’låhi to remind us of our roots, and to commemorate the souls of those who gave their lives to preserving cultural practices and principles.
WHEREAS, 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; and,
WHEREAS, September 23, 2022 shall be dedicated to commemorate the 36th Anniversary of the 13 Fishermen Lost at Sea including those lost at sea and September 24, 2022 shall be dedicated to Chief Aghurubw, and all other traditional Maga’låhi and Samwool.
WHEREAS, 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 culture’s peace, harmony, and friendship.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim September 2022 as
CHAMORRO AND CAROLINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE MONTH
In light of this momentous occasion and to continue promoting our cultures and traditions, I would like to encourage all our Chamorro and Carolinian people, our public and private sectors to further display our unique island heritage through the wearing of traditional attire and adornment throughout the month of September.
Furthermore, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 3rd day of September 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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