Commission Members

Luella I. Marciano

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Luella I. Marciano

Resident Executive, Indigenous Affairs Office

Luella Ichihara Marciano is a proud Northern Mariana Islander with Chamorro and Refaluwasch ancestry. Her cultural heritage and values have fueled her passion and dedication to serving her community as an educator for over 20 years.

Luella holds a Master's in Education from Framingham State College, a Bachelor's in Education from the University of Guam, and an Associate of Arts in Education from the Northern Marianas College.

Throughout her career, Luella has been recognized for her commitment to public service. She was nominated for Teacher of the Year and has received honors for her contributions to public education. Luella continues to be a strong advocate for indigenous and educational initiatives in the Northern Mariana Islands. Her experiences as a cultural performer and practitioner have instilled in her a deep desire to preserve and perpetuate Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures. She is also passionate about fostering positive learning environments and mentoring students through immersive and individualized approaches.

Luella currently serves as the Resident Executive for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' Indigenous Affairs Office. Since her appointment by Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang on February 1, 2024, and subsequent confirmation by the Senators of the 23rd Commonwealth Legislature on April 1, 2024, she has been a strong advocate for indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and community development. In this role, she ensures that the voices of the indigenous population are represented in policymaking and public initiatives.