Inafa’måoli-Tipiyee Project deadline extended to Feb. 21
To accommodate more aspiring student participants, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council has extended the submission deadline for its Inafa’måolik-Tipiyeew Matters project to Feb. 21, 2024.
The initiative, whose initial deadline was set on Feb. 14, will now continue to accept entries until Feb. 21, 2024. Designed to delve into the cultural intricacies of the CNMI community, it invites 25 high school and college students from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to engage in filmed interviews as part of the project’s extensive data collection.
This deadline extension allows students to take advantage of this unique opportunity to contribute to the documentation and understanding of the Northern Marianas’ cultural mosaic.
Aligned with its overarching goals, IT Matters seeks to uncover the rich tapestry of community values within the CNMI. From documenting cultural values of distinct groups to exploring shared themes and ultimately presenting oral and visual representations, the project is poised to capture the essence of the Northern Marianas.
Additionally, the project aims to shed light on the attitudes, perspectives, and experiences contributing to conflicts among CNMI cultural groups. From analyzing persistent stigmas and stereotypes to unraveling the historical events shaping present-day relations, IT Matters is set to navigate the complex dynamics within the Chamorro and Carolinian communities.
For students passionate about the project’s mission, the incentive is significant. All recruited participants will receive a $500 stipend, underscoring the commitment to involve the youth in this cultural exploration.
To ensure the effectiveness of the interviews, participants are required to attend an “Effective Interviewing Strategies” workshop. The desired background skills include an interest in Chamorro and Refalúwasch cultural values, basic video capturing and editing proficiency, and access to a smartphone or other devices with suitable video quality.
Submission requirements are straightforward. Prospective participants must be CNMI students, complete the IT Matters Google form, and submit a letter of interest detailing their connection to Chamorro and/or Refalúwasch people and culture. The letter should also outline plans to interview three individuals and reasons for their selection. As a demonstration of skills, a 30-second video clip showcasing capturing and editing abilities is also required.
NMHC
