Northern Marianas College President Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero, EdD, served as the featured plenary speaker at the 7th Annual Marianas History Conference, a three-day event that brought together scholars, educators, and community members to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Mariana Islands.
Dr. Deleon Guerrero also received the distinguished honor of being selected to serve as Chairman of the 8th Annual Marianas History Conference in 2027, underscoring his leadership in advancing scholarship and cultural dialogue on the Marianas.
Dr. Deleon Guerrero’s plenary presentation, entitled “The Woven Ties That Bind,” explored the complex balance between individual identity and community in the Marianas, drawing on the philosophical lens of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract. Through this framework, he examined how the people of the Marianas have navigated historical forces—from colonial legacies to cultural resilience—while continuing to shape their own path forward. The presentation was received very well by the audience in attendance.
“Throughout the history of the Marianas, we have woven cultural values, a rich heritage, and strong connections into baskets, sails, and vessels that have carried us through the storms of time,” Dr. Deleon Guerrero said during his remarks. “But while these woven ties unite us, they also challenge us to confront how our shared traditions can empower or sometimes constrain us. By unraveling these threads, we can begin to unlock new understandings of our past and chart a course for our future.”
The conference, hosted on Guam, drew participants from across the Marianas and the broader Pacific. The gathering of historical and cultural scholars highlighted scholarship on Chamorro and Carolinian traditions, colonial history, cultural preservation, and contemporary identity in the islands.
As Chairman for the 8th Annual Marianas History Conference, to be held in 2027, Dr. Deleon Guerrero will guide the planning and execution of the regional convening. His selection recognizes both his scholarly contributions and his long-standing commitment to education, cultural dialogue, and regional leadership.
“It is truly an honor to lead this conference and to be a steward of Marianas history,” said Deleon Guerrero. “This work reflects a collective effort to preserve our cultural heritage while preparing our people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”