September is cultural heritage celebration month in the Mariana Islands, and indigenous language preservation has taken the spotlight. Last weekend, the Chamorro Carolinian Language Policy Commission put on a concert highlighting indigenous songs and dances. The Commission also launched a bi-weekly television show featuring interviews in Chamorro and Carolinian languages entitled “Honor Our Language.” Language Policy Commission executive director Antonio Mareham spoke about the importance of these events for strengthening indigenous identity in the Marianas.
