The Micronesia Climate Change Alliance and Hita Litekyan are inviting the community to attend the closing ceremony for “Ta Na’i Animu: Sacred Waters,” an exhibit focused on protecting the region’s waters from deep seabed mining and other environmental threats.
The ceremony will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. March 5 at the Guam Museum. Admission is free and open to the public.
Organizers describe the exhibit as a community initiative centered on healing and power-building amid threats to sacred waters in the Marianas, including deep seabed mining, firing ranges and coastal erosion.
The evening program will feature a panel of water advocates discussing their work in water protection, as well as a live fashion art collaboration in which three artists will create wearable pieces inspired by deep sea life to spotlight the harms of deep seabed mining.
A presentation by Master Suruhåna Mama Lou Manglona will highlight the cultural and medicinal significance of “Hanom Sinaga,” or fresh collected rainwater, in traditional CHamoru healing practices.
The event will also include a silent auction of original artworks created by participating artists, with proceeds supporting ongoing cultural and environmental programming by the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance.
“Ta Na’i Animu,” which translates to “we give our entire spirit,” centers water as a living relative and source of cultural memory. Since opening, the exhibit has featured 45 artists from across the Mariana Islands, focusing on freshwater and ocean ecosystems amid environmental and militarization pressures.
MCCA and Hita Litekyan collaborated with Nenpire and Guam LEAF to create the Neni Nook, a family-friendly sensory space at the museum.
“This closing ceremony is not an ending, but a continuation of collective efforts to protect our sacred waters for future generations,” exhibit curator Kacey Bejado of Hita Litekyan said in a statement.
The exhibit was funded by the Teiger Foundation. Organizers encourage community members of all ages to attend.