For years, Humanities Guahan has been a vital space for reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas, honoring and preserving the traditions and cultures of the CHamoru and Micronesian peoples. But now, after a devastating cut to its federal funding, this cornerstone of our community faces closure in both Guam and Saipan.

After more than 30 years in the Marianas, the non-profit organization could close its doors forever after the Department of Government Efficiency slashed nearly 100% of its funding through the National Endowment for the Humanities earlier this month.

Vice chair of the board of directors for Humanities Guahan Rita Pangelinan Nauta told KUAM News, “To imagine our Marianas without the humanities, that’s very difficult.”

While Nauta and executive director CJ Ochoco and board chair Elfrie Koshiba were bracing for some funding cuts, nothing could have prepared them for a near-total elimination - and so abruptly. “Which basically means we don’t get any funding, and as a council, that’s almost 100% funded through that, meaning we do not have any funding at this time," Ochoco said.

The non-profit organization is behind programs like MotherRead, a family literacy initiative, and Guahan Connects, which promotes civic reflection and conversation. It also funds projects for local groups to do their own humanities work like Public Health, which is currently filming a foster care documentary; and Career Tech High Academy Charter School, whose upcoming series will document CHamoru American Sign Language and its pioneers.

But the future of critical work like this, and the livelihood of those who facilitate it, is now in jeopardy. Koshiba shared, “I don’t think these are programs of value for the current administration, which is very unfortunate because having a well-informed, civic-minded/engaged community is part of what built America.”

Now, Humanities Guahan is turning to the community for support while working with local leaders to find a path forward. Nauta said, “Especially in such a diverse community that we have in Guam and the Marianas–empathy and understanding is so important. And so, humanities is really about the human condition, and being able to cultivate understanding, empathy, and critical thinking is so necessary.”

Meanwhile, CNMI congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider the cuts, following the termination of three grants to the Northern Marianas.