Fin Chuuk Association celebrates sisterhood

The Fin Chuuk Association (Chuukese Women) gathered at the Garapan Central Park last Saturday, Feb. 25, to celebrate their sisterhood.

It is from the Northern Mariana Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition that a few of these women find the strength and courage to return to their roots and observe the importance of reliving their true identity.

The women that assembled during the event realized that, in establishing their association, they will have a place to voice their needs and issues without discrimination, as well as bring assistance to one another to improve themselves.

In teaching each other their different talents or trade, the uniqueness of their different will would shine forth.

“Every Fin Chuuk on Saipan—young or old—is welcome to join on board our newly establish canoe, the Fin Chuuk Association. Our different ways will bring something unique to the canoe. Today we set sail and hope whatever wind will take us, we believe our coming together to uplift one another and help one another we will make a big difference in facing stormy weathers,” said newly elected president Narcy Walter.

Vice president Linda Jain shared the vision and reminded everyone of the message learned from the Pacific Island Bible Collage students’ skit about the different people in a boat rowing in different directions, not allowing their boat to move forward or even backwards.

In her message she encouraged the women to feel the rhythm and row in union and in the same direction toward the goal set before them.

“Chuukese women are very modest, quiet and reserved. They just need to be reminded and encouraged that they are of value and have rights,” she said.

In a story told by Innocenta Sound-Kikku, the women became teary eyed and were renewed by the legend of Lien Apinam, as she portrayed the essence of a true Chuukese woman.

To uplift and empower their Chuukese women, 13 candidates representing the different regions on Chuuk were selected.

They all picked numbers that revealed the regions they would represent and it was fun and surprising how a few of the girls actually picked the regions they belonged to.

The ladies were all cheering and dancing, encouraging the girls as they modeled the name of the regions they were representing. Five tasks were then given for them to do in order to win the Miss Chuuk title:

– Candidates must each render 160 hours of community service (They should be creative.);

– Answer what is the essence of a true Chuukese women;

– Learn legends of Chuuk and do a presentation on it;

– Display locally styled leis, skirts, and dresses; and

– Get ready for a surprise question pertaining to Chuuk.

Although the 13 regions were represented, the candidate registration is still open for other young contestants to enter. Dorlyn Jain and Marieta Sapong are taking registration. End of registration is March 15.

The day came to an end with the honoring of Chuuk’s elderly women, who have been known for their voluntary work in the community. (PR)