The Northern Marianas in America’s Time Capsule
As part of Congress’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, I was honored to contribute to a historic time capsule that will be sealed in the U.S. Capitol and reopened on July 4, 2276, during our nation’s 500th anniversary. To help tell the story of the CNMI, I submitted items representing our people, culture, and way of life in 2026, including a latte stone replica, sinahi necklace, mwar mwar, lighatuttur, maps of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, challenge coins, and other materials that capture this moment in history. I also included a personal letter to the people of 2276 describing our islands, our culture, our unique Covenant relationship with the U.S., and the opportunities and challenges facing the CNMI today. My hope is that when future generations open this capsule 250 years from now, they will see a people proud of their heritage, proud of their American citizenship, and hopeful about the future. It was a privilege to ensure that the voice and story of the Northern Marianas will be preserved alongside those of our fellow Americans for generations to come.