September is Cultural Heritage Month

September is declared as Cultural Heritage Month in the CNMI in an effort to raise awareness on indigenous culture as well as to strengthen values in the island community.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed a proclamation during a ceremony yesterday at the Office on Aging to kickoff month-long activities, the seventh year the government has been observing the special events.

He also set aside September 16, 2000 as Chief Aghurubw Day to show respect and reverence to the late chief.

“We… are proud of our cultural heritage. Our unique cultural heritage is something that we value and treasure,” the governor said in his proclamation.

He said the Cultural Heritage Month has provided a framework for many different cultural activities by different groups and individuals on the island.

It also draws particular interest of the many visitors who come to the CNMI. “Our indigenous culture is part of the islands’ attractiveness and charm, so it is appropriate to set aside a particular time for displaying it,” added Mr. Tenorio.

At the same time, he stressed the significance of the event in helping transmit local culture to the younger generation in order to preserve it for the future.

Since Chamorros and Carolinians are the two indigenous peoples in the CNMI, there will be one week devoted to each group’s cultural activities.

The Indigenous Affairs Office will oversee Chamorro celebration, starting with a mass at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral on Sept. 3.
Between Sept. 11 to 15, various Chamorro cultural activities will be held on the islands, with the PSS Cultural Grand Finale as its highlight on Sept. 16 at the Multi-Purpose Center.

The Carolinian Affairs Office, on the other hand, will take over the week after that, beginning with the Aghurubw Day to be held in Managaha.

A mass will be said on Sept. 17 at the San Jose Church before the week-long Carolinian Heritage celebration from Sept. 18 to 23.
As part of these events, the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture has opened its Island Treasures exhibit that will last until Sept. 29.

Yesterday’s proclamation was witnessed by Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Thomas Tebuteb, Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan, Indigenous Affairs Resident Executive Ike DLG. Demapan, Carolinian Affairs Executive Assistant Frank Rabauliman and Henry Pangelinan, chair of the Saipan Man Amko Advisory Council.