4 Humanities awardees honored

Four individuals received awards, as the NMI Council for the Humanities marked its 15th anniversary Friday.

The 2006 Governor’s Humanities Awardees are Dr. Brian Butler for his contribution to research and publication in the humanities, Frances M. Sablan for her efforts toward the preservation of traditional cultural practices, and John DLR Gonzales and Jaime Vergara for their role as outstanding humanities teachers.

Only Gonzales and Vergara were present to receive their awards during a ceremony at Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, Friday night.

Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez saluted the awardees.

“I imagine that what is exceptionally gratifying for our awardees being recognized tonight is that nominations have come from other members of the community who have recognized the value of your work in the humanities. Someone in our community, or maybe it was more than one person, has been touched by your work and inspired enough to put forth your nomination for statewide recognition. That, in itself, speaks volumes about your individual impact in these areas,” he said.

Villagomez also highlighted the importance of paying attention to humanities, especially for the preservation of indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures.

The keynote speaker, former Northern Marianas College president Agnes McPhetres, underscored NMC’s role in bringing the U.S. National Endowment program to the CNMI and in the subsequent establishment of the NMI Humanities Council.

She also listed some of the council’s achievements over the past 15 years, including the publication of numerous books, the MotherRead/FatherRead literacy program, and the Teacher Institute, a CNMI history instruction program.

But a lot of work still needs to be done, McPhetres said.

The Commonwealth people’s conflicting beliefs about humanities and, in many cases, their indifference to its role in the training of the youth, are only some of the challenges the humanities are facing, she said.

She also cited the youth’s apparent lack of historical knowledge of the CNMI and its people; the undocumented traditional beliefs, knowledge, and values of local indigenous people; and the voluminous historical writings about the islands that are still in the possession of foreign countries, and which have not been translated.

“We are in real danger of having our youth lose touch with their heritage,” she said. “I am hoping and praying that our elected officials see the value of promoting the humanities and assist the council in achieving its mission and goals.”

The NMI Council for the Humanities was established in 1991. It is affiliated and receives annual grant support from the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities and additional support from other federal, state and private grants and donations.

A 13-member volunteer board of directors governs the Council’s programs and three-person staff.

The Humanities Council administers programs and activities, and awards competitive community grants to groups and organizations in support of humanities projects.