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Tudela: Indigenous Affairs Expo a success
The 2nd Annual Indigenous Affairs Expo yesterday was a success, according to Indigenous Affairs Office resident executive Roman Tudela Jr.
The event, which was held at the Civic Center in Susupe, highlighted several aspects of the Chamorro, Carolinian, and even the Samoan culture, including weaving, fishing, and even the usefulness of the coconut, which is the theme for this year.
“We see it a very fitted day to showcase our culture,” said Tudela, who recognized that yesterday was also Commonwealth Cultural Day.
Several demonstrations were held yesterday, including a spear fishing demonstration by James Roberto, net fishing by Steve Dela Cruz, fish cleaning by Jesse Ogo, hat weaving by Steve Van Winkle, skirt weaving by Fidelia Mafnas, body adornments by Leocardio Ruben, floral crafts by Patricia Mareham, local medicine by Donald Mendiola, coconut rope by Emit Ikea, coconut clothing by Quindy Maratita, and many more.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Tudela referring to the overall turnout of the event. He noted that the Carolinian Affairs Office, led by special assistant John Tagabuel roasted five whole pigs in a traditional underground oven known as an uumw. The office also roasting in an uumw some beef ribs and legs for the expo.
“The big guys have witnessed what we have been working toward. Today is the day we get to enjoy and learn—teach our kids our culture. There isn’t much to share, but we must share what we have and preserve it,” Tudela said.
Tudela noted that he was referring to House Speaker Rafael Demapan (R-Saipan), Senate President Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres as the “big guys.”
“…I hope that next year other villages would come and promote something within their respective villages,” said Torres in an interview. “It’s a good day for us to continue to expose our culture and I see there are notably more participants this year, so [the expo] is getting a lot bigger,” he continued, adding that he wishes the same for next year’s expo.
