International Decade of Indigenous Languages
2022 to 2032
CNMI Chamorro-Carolinian Mother Language Day
FEBRUARY 24, 2022
WHEREAS, As the International Year of the Indigenous Languages comes to an end, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands joins the United Nations in declaring an International Decade of Indigenous Languages, to begin in 2022 to 2032; and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2020, the CNMI issued a Proclamation in promoting the recognition of the International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of mother languages across the world face extinction causing demise of rich cultures, heritages, customs, and folk knowledge; and
WHEREAS, Collective human rights comprise of the people’s ambitious drive toward preservation of culture and heritage, and educational and scientific advancement through mother language; and
WHEREAS, today there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening cooperation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development; and
WHEREAS, it is the language that we communicate and participate in all aspects of society, and through language, people preserve their community’s history, customs and traditions, memory, inimitable modes of thinking, meaning, and expression, which are certainly utilized to plot and construct their future; and
WHEREAS, language is as important as land as a mark of identity, pivotal in the areas of human rights, good governance, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development; and
WHEREAS, the Mother language or indigenous languages of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands consist of the Chamorro and Carolinian matters for social, economic and political development, peaceful coexistence and reconciliation in our societies. Thus far many of them including the Chamorro and Carolinian indigenous languages from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are in the danger of disappearing;
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 February 21, 2022, to February 21, 2032, as the
INTERNATIONAL DECADE OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
and February 24, 2022, as
CNMI CHAMORRO-CAROLINIAN MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
I strongly encourage our CNMI family to band together and raise awareness about the importance of supporting the goals and ideals of Mother Language Day and to bring attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage throughout the Commonwealth. I urge the community, along with both the government and private sectors, to support this movement by means of speaking and writing in the language, displaying exhibits, posters, signs, playing music, and performing dances to promote our mother languages and encourage participation in this momentous occasion.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 16th day of
February 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
