By Moneth G. Deposa

The Third Annual Chamorro Conference is a two-day event scheduled for Sept. 26-27 at the multi-purpose center in Susupe. It was first conducted on Guam and then on Rota.

The organizers met yesterday and program subcommittee chairman Howard Macaranas said the conference will recommend ways to ensure that the indigenous language will not be "lost."

Nearly a hundred delegates are expected to participate, and will include the representatives of Guam and Tinian.

"We have to teach the local language — let’s make it strong. That’s the main goal of this conference," Macaranas said.

He noted the "demise" of the local language among the youth and the need to revive their Chamorro-speaking abilities.

But the conference, although particularly intended for indigenous population, is also open to every member of the community, he said.

The committee members who were present yesterday include Danny Quitugua, Paz C. Younis, Elizabeth Rechebei and Manny Borja.

The conference’s principal goal is to "promote, preserve and apply traditional knowledge, innovations, expressions and practices of the Chamorro culture."

Its secondary goals are to "facilitate methodologies that will relate to the authentication of the historical and political evolution of the Chamorros and increase capability and confidence of the people to take leadership in the development of community, business, education, arts, health and government strategies in the Mariana Islands through network and mentorship programs."

The conference will also "encourage, support and publish research and development activities that promote Chamorro culture and are responsive to the needs of the islands."

Macaranas said they want to "instill a sense of pride and ownership of the cultural heritage that reflects Chamorro values and attributes."

"We will recommend — through this conference — the extension of the learning hours in the indigenous language and mandate teachers to prolong the practice hours and actual usage of the Chamorro language," he said.

Macaranas said interested individuals who will register before Aug. 30 will pay $25 while late registrants will be charged $35.

The fee for students in grade sixth and up is $5.

"Because we have still some months to prepare for this event, we’re optimistic that this will be a success," Macaranas said.

Due to the CNMI’s "tight resources," he said the conference committee may seek sponsorship and assistance from the Legislature and community members.

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