A pioneer in the Northern Marianas, former Rep. Felicidad Ogumoro, has passed away at the age of 74 this week.

Ogumoro is the first Carolinian female to be elected to the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives. In 1978, she was one of two women elected to the House in the NMI’s 1st legislature. She continued to serve in the 2nd, 17th, 18th and 19th Legislatures. Recently, she won the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Spotlight Award given in Washington D.C.

In a recording of one of her early speeches, she said her vision was “for a strong, sustainable Commonwealth where the right to control the resources and the destiny of our islands remains in the hands of our Indigenous people.”

KUAM News received this statement from the family: "We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those on- and off-island for the prayers and condolences extended during this difficult time. The memories and kind words shared of her service to our community have been a tremendous source of comfort as we mourn the loss of our mother and sister."

NMI Gov. Arnold Palacios said in a press release today, “We mourn the loss of a trailblazing woman… she demonstrated unparalleled commitment and passion for the well-being of our people.”

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