Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders

The mission of the Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders (MAGI) is to celebrate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Carolinian populations of the Mariana Islands while promoting unity and empowerment within the community through entertainment, education, and enlightenment.

 

Our goal is to showcase the customs, traditions, arts, and crafts of the Mariana Islands to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our rich cultural identity. Through cultural events, performances, workshops, and educational programs, we aim to pass down traditions to future generations, creating a sense of pride and belonging within the Marianas community. Additionally, we strive to provide economic opportunities for local artisans, performers, and businesses, contributing to the community's growth and sustainability. Our mission is to perpetuate, preserve, promote, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Northwest, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

 

The idea of fusing education, gathering people, providing resources, and sharing unique food inspired the creation of MAGI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The ongoing theme, “Divided by the Land, Connected by the Ocean/Man Apattáo gi Tano’, lao Man Chetton gi Tasi,” reflects our commitment to uniting the Chamoru/Chamorro diaspora from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) with the Refaluwasch/Carolinian communities.

 

This theme fosters meaningful connections by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging a sense of community and understanding. It bridges cultural gaps, inspires pride, and promotes unity, inclusion, and belonging within the broader community. The Marianas Festival serves as a unique opportunity to educate, connect, and celebrate with everyone, inviting all to immerse themselves in the love, culture, arts, crafts, music, dance, and traditions that define the Mariana Islands.

 

We invite Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Carolinian visual artists, artisans, folk artists, dancers, musicians, storytellers, local healers, weavers, and food vendors to join us in celebrating and growing the Marianas Festival in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Together, we will honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Mariana Islands for all to enjoy and cherish.

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Maila Magi! We invite you to “come here”! Come celebrate with us!

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1. Cultural Preservation: Our primary goal is to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the indigenous population across the Mariana Islands. We aim to safeguard traditional customs, practices, arts, and crafts, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.

 

2. Community Unity: We strive to promote unity within the Mariana's community by bringing people together through cultural events and activities. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural identity, we aim to strengthen community bonds and promote a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.

 

3. Education and Awareness: We aim to educate both the local community and a wider audience about the rich culture of Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Caroline. Through workshops, performances, and educational programs, we provide opportunities for learning and understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation of our cultural heritage.

 

4. Empowerment: We believe in empowering individuals within the Mariana's community by providing platforms for showcasing their talents and skills. We aim to support local artisans, performers, and businesses, creating economic opportunities and promoting self-expression and entrepreneurship.

 

5. Cultural Exchange: We aim to facilitate cultural exchange between the Mariana Islands and other communities. By collaborating with other cultural organizations and participating in intercultural events, we seek to share our traditions and learn from others, fostering a global understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

 

6. Sustainability: We are committed to the long-term sustainability of the MAGI Community. We strive to create a strong foundation for future generations, ensuring that our cultural heritage continues to thrive and evolve while adapting to the changing times.

 

These goals collectively drive our efforts to celebrate, promote, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Caroline across across the Marianas Islands. We welcome you to join in our efforts through sponsorship, volunteering or participation. Maila' Mågi!

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