INAUGURAL ISSUE ⋅SEPTEMBER 2026
Stories of the people, places, histories, ideas, and cultural traditions that shape life in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Humanities That Surround Us is a publication of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council that invites us to pause, remember, listen, learn from one another, and discover the humanities present in our everyday lives.
FEATURE STORY
When One Voice Leads, the Community Answers
The lisåyu, the tetsa’, and a Chamorro tradition passed from one generation to the next
Through the voices of two generations of techa, this story explores the lisåyu as a living Chamorro practice—one carried through prayer, language, memory, and the responsibility of leading others. Their experiences reveal how a tradition endures not simply by being remembered, but by continuing to be practiced and passed on.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A Tradition in His Hands
Help us complete the story.
Unidentified man weaving coconut fronds. Spoehr Collection, Northern Marianas Humanities Council Digital Archives.
September is Chamorro and Carolinian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the traditions, knowledge, and stories that connect generations across the Marianas. This photograph from the Spoehr Collection in our Digital Archives captures one of those traditions in action: a man carefully weaving coconut leaves by hand.
But there’s more to this photograph than what we can see. Perhaps you recognize the setting. Maybe you recognize the technique—or even the man himself.
Help us complete the story. A name, a place, a memory, or even a small detail could help us better understand the people and traditions captured in this photograph
YOUTH VOICES
Earlier this year, CNMI high school students were invited to participate in the Northern Marianas Humanities Council’s A250 My Marianas Writing Contest and to reflect on CNMI identity, their relationship to the United States, and what they hope that relationship will look like over the next 50 years.
1ST PLACE
A Mixed Plate of Home
Alleena Villaluz
There is an unspoken understanding that this table is not merely a place to eat, but the heart of the fiesta itself…
2ND PLACE
Small Island, Big Story
Jillian Nicdao
The Northern Mariana Islands did not need to be compared to somewhere else to matter. They stood on their own…
3RD PLACE
Beneath the Surface of Home
Youna Li
Here, identity is not fixed. It moves like water…
CULTURAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Tåotåo Isla
Maiden and April Tumada
Inspired by the islands they call home, sisters and self-taught artists Maiden and April Tumada transform shells, local materials, and elements of the Marianas into contemporary jewelry through Tåotåo Isla. Their work explores the connections among place, creativity, and cultural expression while passing creative knowledge forward through community workshops and hands-on learning.
HUMANITIES IN ACTION
A250 Community Talks
Listening to the Marianas as we reflect on our past, present, and future.
7
CONVERSATIONS
3
ISLANDS
61
PARTICIPANTS
Across Saipan, Tinian, and Luta, community members came together for facilitated conversations exploring the Northern Mariana Islands’ relationship with the United States–reflecting on where we have been, where we are today, and what that relationship might look like in the years ahead.
HUMANITIES IN RECOVERY
Culture, Community, and Recovery
Supporting the people and organizations helping cultural life endure and recover after disaster.
When disaster damages the places, materials, and resources that sustain cultural practice, recovery involves more than rebuilding what was lost. It also means helping knowledge, relationships, traditions, and opportunities for learning remain active while communities rebuild.
“What knowledge, relationships, practices, and places must remain alive while rebuilding takes place?”
— “Rebuilding More Than a Canoe House”
FROM THE FIELD
A Cultural Resilience Partnership story
Rebuilding More Than a Canoe House
Seafaring Traditions in Recovery
After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the work of recovery at Kåttan Udai became about more than rebuilding a structure. Through the Seafaring Traditiions Program, traditional construction, canoe building, mentorship, and public learning continued even as the site itself was being rebuilt.
Learn more about the Council’s broader efforts to support cultural recovery after Sinlaku and Bavi.
COMING UP
Around the Marianas
Upcoming events, commemorations, and opportunities to take part in the humanities.
SEPTEMBER · CHAMORRO & CAROLINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE MONTH
Throughout September, communities across the Northern Mariana Islands celebrate Chamorro and Carolinian culture, history, language, and traditions through commemorations, educational activities, and community events.
Activities include the Chief Aghurubw Commemoration and the 40th anniversary of the thirteen fishermen lost at sea, along with Cultural Heritage Month activities planned by the Public School System.
For information about community events, contact the Office of Indigenous Affairs at (670) 664-4263. School communities may consult the Public School System’s calendar for scheduled activities.
SEPTEMBER 20 · NOMINATIONS CLOSE
Governor’s Humanities Awards
Who makes the humanities matter in our community?
Nominate an individual or organization for the 2026 Governor’s Humanities Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the humanities in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Awards Banquet · October 20 · 5:00 PM · Location to be announced
OCTOBER 6 · 10:00 AM · NMI MUSEUM
CNMI Humanities Month Proclamation Ceremony
Join us at the NMI Museum as the Commonwealth officially marks CNMI Humanities Month and recognizes the importance of the humanities in enriching our understanding of our history, cultures, communities, and shared experiences.
SAVE THE DATE
WHAT'S AHEAD
More Stories Are All Around Us
The Humanities That Surround Us will continue to explore the people, places, histories, ideas, and cultural traditions that shape life in the Northern Mariana Islands. In the months ahead, look for new stories from our archives, cultural practitioners, young writers, community programs, and people whose knowledge and experiences help us better understand the Marianas.
Have a story, memory, photograph, or idea we should explore?
We welcome suggestions from readers and invite you to help us discover the humanities present in our everyday lives.
THE HUMANITIES SURROUND US.
HELP US KEEP THEM THRIVING.
Stories help us understand where we come from, learn from one another, and imagine what comes next. Stay connected with the Northern Marianas Humanities Council and help sustain opportunities for people across the Marianas to explore, share, and preserve the knowledge that shapes our community.
The Humanities That Surround Us
A publication of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council
Inaugural Issue ⋅ September 2026
