[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H10074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MARIANAS CULTURAL HERITAGE MONTH

  (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, remaining mindful of the heritage and 
tradition inherited from past generations is important to my people. 
Equally important is that we pass on these traditions to the 
generations that come after. For that reason, I rise today in 
recognition of Marianas Cultural Heritage Month from September 16 to 
October 12, 2009.
  During this period, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands are 
actively demonstrating such local traditions as respect for our elders, 
indigenous methods for healing, the preparation of local foods, the 
wearing of traditional attire, the practice of sharing goods among 
neighbors and, of course, the remarkable navigational skills of our 
people, epitomized by Chief Aghurubw.
  By demonstrating these traditions, we impart our knowledge of the 
legends and lore of our forefathers to future generations so they, in 
turn, will be able to transmit the unique culture and heritage of the 
people of the Northern Mariana Islands. I encourage my colleagues to 
learn about us and to appreciate the differences that make us unique 
and the commonalities that bind us.

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