Exhibiting Enduring Traditions
- Seafaring Traditions
SEAFARING TRADITIONS
The Chamorro and Carolinian peoples share deep ocean-voyaging traditions that reflect thousands of years of environmental knowledge, craftsmanship, and navigation without modern instruments. While Chamorro seafaring practices were severely disrupted during the Spanish colonial period, Carolinian master navigators reintroduced and sustained voyaging knowledge in the Northern Mariana Islands beginning in the early 1800s.
Today, traditional navigators (pairorow or fafa’ulos), canoe builders (fafa’tinas såhyan tåsi), and local sailors (lalåyak) collaborate to sustain canoe construction, celestial navigation, and maritime storytelling. This station demonstrates the tools, techniques, and living knowledge that continue to guide cultural revitalization.
PRESENTERS: Mario Benito, Antonio (Tony) Piailug, Milton (Jun) Coleman, John Castro, Tyler Warwick, Jason Aldan
- Coconut-Made Crafts
COCONUT-MADE CRAFTS
Often called the “Tree of Life,” the coconut palm sustains island communities by providing food, fiber, oil, building materials, tools, and fuel. Chamorro and Carolinian knowledge systems recognize the coconut as both a practical and ceremonial resource, with each part of the tree serving a distinct function in daily and communal life.
This station highlights traditional processing methods and handcrafted products derived from coconut husk, shell, leaves, and meat. Demonstrations illustrate sustainable harvesting, preparation techniques, and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge tied to land and sea stewardship.
PRESENTERS: TBD
- Body Adornment
BODY ADORNMENT
Traditional body adornment reflects identity, lineage, status, and connection to land and ocean. Among Chamorro and Carolinian communities, adornment includes woven ornaments, shell jewelry, floral garlands, natural pigments, and tattoo traditions. Designs often symbolize clan heritage, navigation, protection, and respect for ancestors.
This station explores both historical practices and contemporary revitalization efforts. Exhibitors will demonstrate ornament construction, discuss symbolic meanings, and share how adornment serves as cultural expression and continuity.
PRESENTERS: Anna Villagomez (Jewelry), Matthew Masga (Jewelry), CAO (Patsy Ythemar-Beading; Ina Limes-Beading; Lorenza Romolor-Mwáár), Manu Yarofalir-Loom Weaver, Jaywina Lebowmai-Loom Weaver; Shannon Sasamoto-Contemporary Cultural Fashion
- Traditional Healing & Wellness
TRADITIONAL HEALING & WELLNESS
Traditional healing practices integrate plant knowledge, spiritual awareness, massage and medicinal application techniques, and prayer. Chamorro suruhånu/suruhåna and Carolinian healers draw upon generations of empirical observation and cultural protocol to address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
This station provides educational demonstrations on medicinal plants, preparation methods, and the ethical responsibilities of healers. Visitors will learn about the cultural framework that connects healing practices to respect for ancestors, land stewardship, and communal care.
PRESENTERS: Donald B. Mendiola, Rebecca Norita, Chialang Blas
- Performing Arts: Dance & Chant
PERFORMING ARTS: DANCE & CHANT
Dance and chant preserve oral history, genealogy, and communal values. Chamorro and Carolinian performance traditions convey migration stories, seasonal cycles, navigation, courtship, and spiritual beliefs. Rhythmic movement, vocal expression, and percussive accompaniment form an integrated storytelling system rooted in place.
This station presents live demonstrations of traditional and revitalized forms, including chant composition, cultural regalia, and interpretive dance. Audience members will gain insight into the cultural protocols, meanings, and contexts behind each performance.
PRESENTERS: Kutturan Chamorro Performers (Anita Sablan-Polksai), Refaluwasch Cultural Dance Group (Carolinian Maas-Brian Ruben; Carolinian Women’s Bwaai-Leilani Marciano; Uraali Men’s-Melvin Faisao; Uraali Women’s-Carmelita Faisao), Repaganur Cultural Dance Group (Talabwoogh Men’s Stick Dancers-Joe Ruak; Talabwoogh Women’s Bwaai-Hanalei Ogarto)