Governor Benigno R. Fitial delivers his address. He thanked the Inetnon
Åmot Natibu/Ammwelil Safeyal Faluwasch for inviting him to speak and thanked the Saipan Mayor's Office for being in part of this Symposium.  The Governor was happy and proud to mention that he was in the first CNMI Constitutional Convention where Article One, Section One, of the CNMI Constitution was established to protect the traditional art of healing. He went on to say that he personally is a very firm believer in or traditional healing arts. He said that it has worked for him and for many people he knows in the community. He concluded saying, "Although we do not reject the benefits of modern medicine, many of us continue to believe in the healing touch of our suruhånus and suruhånas and the power of our traditional herbs concocted by skilled hands and the spirit of our ancestors. Many of us have been healed time and again and continue to believe in our traditional medicine as our source of strength, as well as an affirmation of our cultural identity." (Picture taken by Frankie W. Limes.)