2006 Humanities Awardees

[B]Dr. Brian Butler[/B] [I]Research and Publication in the Humanities[/I]

Dr. Brian Butler, director of the Center for Archaeological Investigations, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, has studied the ancient history of the Northern Mariana Islands for nearly 25 years. His first research on the islands began in 1984 when he directed a major archaeological data recovery project on Rota. Over the next two decades, Butler oversaw large-scale archaeological survey projects on Rota and Aguiguan, and additional data recovery projects on Saipan. Butler has presented the results of his research in a series of monographs, several published by the CNMI Historic Preservation Office, and in academic journals and conference papers. He has made particularly important contributions in the areas of initial settlement, coastal ecology and island adaptations, and ceramic technology. In recent years, Butler has also been an active participant in the Humanities Council’s Teachers Institute during which he shared his knowledge about ancient history with classroom teachers.

[B]John DLR Gonzales[/B] [I]Outstanding Humanities Teacher[/I]

John DLR Gonzales has become a household name when it comes to communication and social engagement using a combination of traditional and modern technologies. His passion and commitment to engage the public and to generate sometimes intense but interesting discussions on issues ranging from health, traditional medicine, politics, culture, the arts, education, and economics have transformed many of the viewing public into active participants in these discussions. Gonzales is also known as “Speedy Gonzales,” an apt nickname for someone with his dynamic energy, intellect, humor, creativity and passion to communicate and share knowledge and information with the public.

[B]Jaime Vergara[/B] [I]Outstanding Humanities Teacher[/I]

Jaime Vergara is a 6th grade Social Studies teacher who was designated “2006 Teacher of the Year” at San Vicente Elementary School. For the past three years, he has served as an advisor to the Student Council and has introduced students to the process of decision making, planning and implementation without using those abstract terms. Vergara has excelled in creating comprehensive “screens” upon which students are provided a picture of their whole curriculum in addition to his specific focus on Social Studies. He has also developed and implemented a five-day “retreat” for his sixth grade class that has become a distinctive component of the learning experience for those students under Vergara’s tutelage. Vergara’s perspective goes beyond the classroom to all his involvement in religious and secular organizations. To his newspaper readers, Vergara’s reflections have also served as regular social commentary. He is a consummate humanities teacher who is at once earthly and profound.

[B]Frances M. Sablan[/B] [I]Preservation of Traditional Cultural Practices[/I]

Frances M. Sablan is a retired educator who served as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and principal during a career spanning more than decades. Sablan has been extremely active in the study and perpetuation of a wide variety of traditional Chamorro cultural practices including songs, chants, dances, medicinal lore, and the Chamorro language. She is currently a member and past president of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association; a driving force behind the INATUAS (Inheriting Natural Ancient Treasures Utilizing Ancestral Spirits) Cultural Dancers; a board member for the Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.; and a member of the board for the Amot Natibu Association. In previous years, Sablan founded the Antigo Club at Marianas High School, and co-founded the Napun Antigu Cultural Dancers. She has represented the Northern Marianas at a number of regional and international cultural festivals and conferences.

[I]*Source: NMI Council for the Humanities[/I]