Indigenous Affairs Office - IAO

Letter: Towai Praises Rep. Babauta for FEMA, SBA Assistance and Ownership Affidavits After Sinlaku

Dear Representative Celina Roberto Babauta,

I write to express my strong support and sincere appreciation for the work you continue to carry out on behalf of our people, particularly in the aftermath of disaster when clarity, access, and advocacy matter most.

Your office’s willingness to assist families in navigating FEMA and SBA applications is not a small undertaking. These processes are often complex, time sensitive, and overwhelming, especially for those already dealing with loss and uncertainty. By stepping in to guide individuals and even corporations through these systems, you are not only providing technical assistance, you are restoring a sense of direction and stability at a critical moment.

Equally important is your proactive effort to address one of the most persistent barriers our people face, proof of ownership. In a region where generational land use, unresolved probate matters, and informal arrangements are common, many families would otherwise be excluded from much needed disaster assistance. Your readiness to provide affidavits for occupants of damaged homes reflects a grounded understanding of our realities and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind simply because their circumstances do not fit neatly within federal requirements.

This is what responsive leadership looks like. It is practical, informed, and rooted in service. Your actions demonstrate that governance is not just about policy, but about bridging gaps between systems and the people they are meant to serve.

Please accept my gratitude for your continued dedication to veterans, families, and the community at large. Your work is seen, it is felt, and it is making a tangible difference.

With respect and appreciation,

Gregorie Michael Towai
Eipéráng

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📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵: 𝙆𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖 𝙂𝙞𝙮𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙨

Inetnun Kutturan Natibun Marianas / Kkoor Aramasal Marianas (IKNM/KAM) is proud to announce the release of 𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘎𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘴 (𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴), co-authored by Carmen S. Taimanao (Nan Ammi’) and Manny F. Borja (Uncle Manny).

📍 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻-𝗞𝗶𝘆𝘂 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆
🗓 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟯𝟬
⏰ 𝟱:𝟬𝟬–𝟳:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠

Copies will be available at a special launch price of $𝟮𝟱, with 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗞𝗡𝗠/𝗞𝗔𝗠, a CNMI nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, languages, traditional healing practices, and history through projects like language revitalization, documenting cultural icons, and creating cultural resources for the community, ensuring these traditions thrive.

Come celebrate Chamorro music, language, and cultural knowledge with us. 💛

Heartiest congratulations to the newly crowned Queen 2026 Northern Marianas Descent, Siana Dorene Flores Tåsi and her court on this significant achievement. Your ascension to this role is a testament to your grace and leadership. I look forward to the wonderful work you will do in fostering pride, preserving traditions, and uplifting our indigenous heritage throughout your reign.

🇲🇵History Is Made: Introducing Our First-Ever Pioneer Cultural Beauty Pageant, Queen - 2026 Miss Northern Marianas Descent, Siana Dorene Flores Tasi 👑

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🌺Calling All NMDs! 👑

Get ready for a night of firsts, our inaugural pageant is coming, and we want you to be part of it. This is more than a show. It’s a celebration of our culture, heritage, and identity brought to life through exquisite botanical fashion and powerful storytelling.

What to Expect:
A vibrant showcase of our history, traditions, and legacy

Strutting the stage in flora-inspired designs rooted in symbolism and cultural pride

Contestants embodying strength, beauty, and heritage in every step

Eligibility:
• Ages 18 to 25
• Must be an NMD

This is your moment to shine. Step into the spotlight, share your story, and help us bring this spectacular cultural night to life.

Don’t miss this first-ever, one-of-a-kind pageant, be there, feel the pride, and see our heritage bloom. 🇲🇵