The Saipan Leadership Memorial Courtyard Project

A bid to restore a long disused roundhouse in Chalan Kanoa as a monument  to CNMI's ancestral leadership is gaining momentum after the completion of a government survey in July 2008. The proposed monument, an initiative begun by the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, would transform an historic roundhouse near the Chalan Kanoa post office into the "First Leadership Memorial Courtyard," according to a July 29 letter sent by Antonia Tudela, chairwoman of the 10th Saipan Council, the government officials praising the help of government agencies. [Image]The proposed project comes as the council is developing a plan to revitalize the Chalan kanoa neighborhood, according to council advisor William Torres, who noted the area is considered the ancient capitol of Saipan and that the roundhouse itself  once served as a focal point for the island's cultural and political life. "In the distant past, the roundhouse was a very popular gathering place, whether it was for markets or for political debates." Torres said in an interview. "This project is history in the remaking." Phase 1 and 2 is complete, phase 3 is at its beginning stage where the reality of this project is soon to become a success. This project is being funded by NMHC-HUD through to the ARRA grant. The monument site is a key historical landmark and will remain open to the public under the council's care. The roundhouse "has served as a place of fellowship gathering and has served for and catered  to different  public functions over the years, including political assembly and campaigns. To assure that all appointed/elected leaders be not forgotten we are requesting the public to submit names of former leaders during the Naval Administration, The Trust Territory Administrations and Commonwealth for vertification and confirmation by submitting to the council office our "Nomination Form." To view the Form, refer to the "Nomination Form Post"  under Archives.

NOMINATION FORM