Advocates for Rafaluwasch Inclusion in the U.S. Census

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Representation matters, not just in policy, but in the data that informs decisions about our islands. This week, I was honored to meet with members of the Rafaluwasch community at the District Office to discuss the importance of including Rafaluwasch as a recognized ethnicity in the next CNMI Census. This isn’t just about a checkbox. It’s about identity, visibility, and ensuring that federal data reflects the full richness of our community. I’m grateful for the knowledge shared in our conversation and have already begun working to see how we can make this change happen. The Rafaluwasch people are a vital part of the Marianas, and their recognition in federal systems is long overdue.