33 youth take part in Marianas cultural immersion retreat

The Inafa’maolek Manhoben Marianas pose for a picture at the As Matmos Cliff on Rota. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A total of 33 youth ranging in ages from 14 to 17 from Guam, Luta, Saipan, and Tinian came together on Rota as part of the Inafa’maolek Manhoben Marianas cultural immersion retreat that ran from July 11-24 as the culminating event of the five-week summer camp that was implemented on each island.

In celebration of our cultural traditions and in order to learn about the interconnectedness of the Marianas, the youth were immersed in the pristine natural beauty and resources on Rota, learning survival skills, cultural arts, and team building. They stayed at the Man’amko Center in Sinapalo and also camped out at Teteto Beach.

The retreat featured hands-on activities and excursions that highlighted our way of life. Guided by knowledgeable practitioners, they slaughtered and processed a cow for their meals, made coconut oil, drank Chamorro medicine, and learned and performed chants, songs, and dances. The group paid homage at ancestral sacred sites like “Taga Stone” Quarry, Mochong and Maya latte villages, and Chugai cave.

“I saw the real Marianas in front of my eyes,” said Donovan Cabrera, 16, from Saipan.

Youth engaged in open discussions about their lifestyles and experiences per island. They also interviewed man’amko of Luta about their lives “back in the day.”

Emerging leaders had the opportunity to share their perspectives at a public hearing hosted by the CNMI’s Office of Planning and Development. Devin Cing, 17, from Tinian shared, “Visions I have for our future is for our islands to be united again.”

Project director Eva Cruz reflects on the successes and challenges of the camp. “It wasn’t an easy task, but I believe we lived up to our name, inafa’maolek. Program staff and youth had to apply the skills and values that enabled our ancestors to thrive here for thousands of years: cooperation, adaptation, appreciation, and resilience.”

One of the participants, Fanai Staffler of Saipan, said she wants to see more programs like the Inafa’maolek. “I think it’s a great way to get teens to learn and experience more of their culture. It also gives them chances to make life-long friends.”

“[The] most important thing I learned from being a part of Inafa’maolek is that each of us can have a strong impact on our culture,” said Lucas Manglona from Tinian.

Landon Atalig from Luta said he was happy to learn that “there are others out there like me that want to learn a lot about our Chamorro culture and the traditional ways of the Chamorros.”

“What I’d like to see for our islands in the future is for the indigenous youth getting closer to our roots and culture, also being able to speak our native language,” said Wilson Tadeo Jr. of Guam.

Inafa’maolek Youth Heritage Program, CNMI Office of Indigenous Affairs, and Rota Mayor’s Office were awarded this grant by the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.

Inafa’maolek Youth is a federally funded program awarded to Sanctuary, Inc. of Guam by the Administration of Native Americans, and is in its last year of implementation. To support the sustainability of this project, call Cruz at 671-483-0111. (PR)