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Islanders pay tribute to Chief Aghurubw
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Posted on Sep 18 2000
Hundreds hopped to the island of Managaha Saturday to pay tribute to Carolinian legend Chief Aghurubw, an annual tradition that islanders have religiously observed for 30 years now.
The celebration began with mwaar presentations from 25 Carolinian clans followed by the commemoration mass lead by Fr. Sid Ogumoro with the San Jose Parish Church Choir.
Northern Islands Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro welcomed guests to the special event, calling it a gathering not only of indigenous people of the CNMI but also of other races.
“This celebration is significant in that it brings together people of all races,” Mr. Ogumoro told guests during the ceremony.
Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, Senator Thomas P. Villagomez, Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Tom A. Tebuteb, and Carolinian Affairs Executive Asst. Frank Rabauliman delivered brief remarks to mark the sacred event.
After the ceremony, families shared food and tales all throughout afternoon, as they relaxed under the shade of trees and huts.
Saturday’s activity kicked off a week-long festivity in honor of the Carolinian culture. The Chamorro Week, which was postponed last week due to the recent typhoon, is being held simultaneously with the ongoing Carolinian Week celebration.
Aghurubw Day is usually celebrated on the 18th day of September each year to honor a brave man who sailed from the Caroline Islands in 1815 to resettle his people on Saipan after their island of origin was destroyed by a major typhoon.
Chief Aghurubw belonged to the Ghatoliyool clan and was also a chief of Satawal.
Known as a great navigator, he was also a man of great courage and humility. His courage was revealed as he braved unpredictable weather and uncertainties ahead to bring his people to a land of refuge.
His humility lay in his decision to first ask for permission from Governor Medinilla for settlement on Saipan. A monument stands in honor of the chief who changed the course of history in the lives of the Carolinians and who gave of himself to shape their destiny.
