A significant call has been issued to artists across Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, inviting their participation in “Ta Nå’i Ånimu II: Sacred Waters.” This highly anticipated art exhibition is a continuation of a powerful series dedicated to amplifying Indigenous creativity, storytelling, and advocacy within the vibrant cultural landscape of the Marianas.

Spearheaded by collaborative efforts from Hita Litekyan and the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, the exhibition serves as a crucial platform. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of pressing environmental and cultural issues, leveraging artistic expression as a primary vehicle for engagement and dialogue among Indigenous artists and the wider community.

The central theme for this year’s iteration, “Sacred Waters,” delves profoundly into the multifaceted significance of water throughout the Marianas. This encompasses its critical cultural, ecological, and political dimensions, highlighting water’s intrinsic value beyond mere resource.

From the hidden depths of vital aquifers to the expansive beauty of coastlines, the exhibit endeavors to honor water as a sacred entity, inextricably linked with the heritage and traditional lifeways of native peoples. It underscores the profound spiritual and historical connection between the island communities and their aquatic environments.

Crucially, “Sacred Waters” also confronts the lasting and often devastating impacts of external forces on these pristine island waters. It sheds light on how militarization, the accelerating effects of climate change, and various forms of resource extraction continue to threaten the fragile ecosystems of the Marianas.

Specific environmental challenges are brought to the forefront, including widespread PFAS contamination, the repercussions of military firing ranges and waste dumping, and the persistent presence of Dieldrin pesticide pollution. These issues collectively underscore an urgent need for robust water conservation efforts and sustained environmental advocacy.

Furthermore, the exhibition addresses critical concerns related to the overuse of vital resources, such as reliance on water catchment systems and septic tanks in northern Guam, the alarming aquifer overdrawing in Saipan, and the pervasive problems of coastal erosion and reef degradation impacting the entire region.

Aspiring Pacific Islanders artists are encouraged to submit their creative proposals by Friday, August 8th, while the final submission deadline for art pieces for the exhibit is set for September 29th. These deadlines mark pivotal moments for artists to contribute to this vital discourse.

Ultimately, “Ta Nå’i Ånimu II” stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and vision of the Micronesian culture. Through the compelling narratives woven by Indigenous art, it seeks to inspire collective action and deepen reverence for the invaluable sacred waters of the Pacific Islands, ensuring their protection for future generations.