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Aghurubw (Pronounced ''A-GA-RU-B)'' was a Carolinian (Refaluwasch) Chief and master navigator who led his people from Satawal to what is now 
After an 1815 typhoon destroyed life on their home island of Satawal, Chief Aghurubw of the Ghatoliyool clan and Chief Nguschul (Pronounced ''NU''-''GU''-''SCHUL'') of Elato asked permission from the Spanish Governor Farallon de Medinilla for their people to settle on Saipan.
The Spaniards allowed them to move there to manage their cattle herds, turning the island into a ranch or cattle plantation. They were also allowed to go to Tinian, a neighboring island to Saipan.
Aghurubw received a legal certificate and traditional symbols of a leader. He was given a cane in addition to a tall black hat. Due to the tall hat he was called ''parúng'', the Carolinian word for hat or cap''.'' This made him a paramount chief.
To get to the island of Saipan, which is 500 miles from Saipan, he used an ancient sea route called ''metawal wool.'' They landed on a beach called Micro Beach.
After bringing his people there, the Carolinians built a village which he called Arabwal.
In 1851, he used contacts offering opportunities in the northern isles to advance himself.
Saipan
Saipan ( ch, Sa’ipan, cal, Seipél, formerly in es, Saipán, and in ja, 彩帆島, Saipan-tō) is the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, a Commonwealth (U.S. insular area), commonwealth of the United States in the western Pa ...
(a commonwealth
A commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has been synonymous with "republic". The noun "commonwealth", meaning "public welfare, general good or advantage", dates from the ...
of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, and is bounded by the continen ...
) in the early 19th century.
Journey to Saipan and settlement
After an 1815 typhoon destroyed life on their home island of Satawal, Chief Aghurubw of the Ghatoliyool clan and Chief Nguschul (Pronounced ''NU''-''GU''-''SCHUL'') of Elato asked permission from the Spanish Governor Farallon de Medinilla for their people to settle on Saipan.
The Spaniards allowed them to move there to manage their cattle herds, turning the island into a ranch or cattle plantation. They were also allowed to go to Tinian, a neighboring island to Saipan.
Aghurubw received a legal certificate and traditional symbols of a leader. He was given a cane in addition to a tall black hat. Due to the tall hat he was called ''parúng'', the Carolinian word for hat or cap''.'' This made him a paramount chief.
To get to the island of Saipan, which is 500 miles from Saipan, he used an ancient sea route called ''metawal wool.'' They landed on a beach called Micro Beach.
After bringing his people there, the Carolinians built a village which he called Arabwal.
In 1851, he used contacts offering opportunities in the northern isles to advance himself.Legacy
After his death in Arabwal, Chief Aghurubw buried in Managaha (Ghalaghal) island, where a statue now stands of him. He was buried upright upon his request, so he could see Micro Beach. The place is sacred to Refaluwasch people in CNMI as a result of his life, influence and burial there. People come to the island every year to celebrate him. Following Chief Aghurubw and Chief Nguschulthe, more Carolinians came bringing their people and establishing villages on Saipan. The people of Saipan celebrate 'Chief Aghurubw Day', a holiday which is an important part of the Refaluwasch culture on the CNMI. Additionally, the Ghatoliyool Clan established the Chief Aghurubw Foundation to further his legacy and impact.References
{{reflist Northern Mariana Islands Indigenous peoples of Micronesia Caroline Islands Saipan Northern Mariana Islands people of Carolinian descent