CNMI leaders reflect on 49 years of Covenant with U.S.

03/24/25 - CNMI leaders reflect on the 49th anniversary of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, which came into effect on March 24, 1976, with final approval by U.S. Public Law 94-241. The following statements were issued today. 

CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios and Lt. Gov. David Apatang: Covenant Day is a time to reflect on the agreement that shaped our Commonwealth’s path and strengthened our connection with the United States. Nearly 50 years ago, our leaders built a foundation that prioritizes opportunity, progress, and a better quality of life for everyone who calls these islands home. Through economic growth, education, and community well-being, the Covenant continues to influence our future. Its legacy remains a source of resilience, reminding us of the strength and vision that continue to shape our Commonwealth. Wishing you a safe and meaningful Covenant Day!

Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds: Today, we celebrate Covenant Day, a moment to reflect on the vision, foresight, and persistence of our founders, the meaning of choosing to be Americans, and the progress we’ve made since joining the American political family. But the Covenant is more than just a historic document—it’s a living commitment. To me, it’s both an ideal and a tool, one that survives through our actions and advocacy. It reminds us that our unique identity within the United States must be continually protected and uplifted. As we mark 49 years since the signing, it’s up to us to give life to this agreement, to defend our rights, and to stay true to the principles of self-government and self-determination—even when it’s hard. Here’s to honoring the past, meeting the moment, and continuing to define our future. Happy Covenant Day, CNMI!

Senate President Dennis Mendiola, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, and 24th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature: Let us recognize and celebrate the distinct nature of our political bond with the United States. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements that define our CNMI. 

CNMI Public School System: Today, we joyfully celebrate Covenant Day—a special holiday that honors the unique political union between the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States. On this day in 1976, our people of the Northern Mariana Islands approved the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America. This agreement was a monumental step in shaping our islands’ future, granting the CNMI self-government while establishing our close and permanent relationship with the U.S. It gave our people U.S. citizenship, access to federal programs, and the ability to govern internal affairs, all while preserving our culture and local traditions. Covenant Day is not only a celebration of political progress but also of identity, resilience, and unity. It’s a time to reflect on how far the islands have come and to honor those who worked hard to secure a brighter future for the generations to come. Biba Covenant Day! Let’s continue to celebrate the spirit of partnership, community, and pride that makes our Northern Mariana Islands so special.

The following history is provided by the Commonwealth Law Revision Commission:

Commission Comment: Background.—As stated in the Covenant preamble below, the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America is a “mutually binding” document that “establish[es] a self-governing commonwealth for the Northern Mariana Islands within the American political system and … define[s] the … relationship between the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States.”

Negotiation History.—The Covenant was negotiated over the course of twenty-seven months (December 1972 to February 1975) by the Marianas Political Status Commission, an organization representing the Northern Mariana Islands, and a delegation representing the United States. Negotiations between the delegations officially concluded with the signing of the Covenant on February 15, 1975, at Saipan. (See signatures following Section 1005.)

Approval Process.—The Covenant was approved, pursuant to the steps specified in Section 1001, as follows:

• On February 20, 1975, the Covenant was submitted to and unanimously approved by the Mariana Islands District Legislature of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

• On June 17, 1975, the Covenant was submitted to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands voters in a plebiscite. At that time, 95 percent of eligible voters had registered to vote. Of the 95 percent of all registered voters who cast ballots in the plebiscite, 78.8 percent voted to approve the Covenant.

• After the results of the plebiscite were certified to the President of the United States, the Covenant was approved by joint resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 21, 1975, and the U.S. Senate on February 24, 1976. On March 24, 1976, President Gerald Ford signed into law the “Joint Resolution To approve the ‘Covenant …’.” U.S. Pub. L. No. 94-241, 90 Stat. 263 (1976).

Effective Dates.—Pursuant to Section 1003(a), some Covenant provisions became effective on March 24, 1976, the date of the Covenant’s final approval by U.S. Public Law 94-241. Remaining provisions took effect on January 9, 1978, and November 4, 1986, the dates specified in Presidential proclamations issued pursuant to Section 1003(b) and (c). Proclamation No. 4354, 42 Fed. Reg. 56,593 (Oct. 24, 1977); Proclamation No. 5564, 51 Fed. Reg. 40,399 (Nov. 3, 1986). November 4, 1986, also corresponds to the date when residents of the Northern Mariana Islands became U.S. citizens.

Mutual Consent.—According to Section 105, many specified “fundamental” Covenant provisions may be modified only with the joint consent of the United States and Commonwealth Governments.

Notification to the United Nations.—A copy of the Covenant was submitted to the United Nations on March 3, 1975. Note Verbale, U.N. Doc. T/1759 (1975), https://documents.un.org/ (search using the symbol parameter for “T/1759”) (“The representative of the United States of America to the United Nations presents his compliments to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has the honor to request circulation as a Trusteeship Council document of the enclosed Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, which was signed on Saipan on February 15, 1975.”).