Advisor

Peter R. Onedera earned a master’s degree in Micronesian studies from the University of Guam. He is a professor of Chamorro with the Modern Language Program in the Division of Humanities, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Guam.

Onedera is a literary activist and playwright and has authored poetry, lyrics, short stories, magazine and journal articles. His work focuses on his experiences and knowledge of cultural traditions, customs, social issues, legends, folklore, history and the preservation of the Chamorro language. His novella, Cheffla gi i Manglo, or “whistle in the wind” was published in 2006.

He has also served as a translator, interpreter, workshop presenter, storyteller and lecturer at public events, conferences, court cases, festivals and political forums. Onedera organizes an annual Chamorro language competition held during the University of Guam’s charter day celebration. The event brings together middle and high school students from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands public schools in order to compete in various genres such as oratory, poetry recitation, choral reading, chanting, singing, dramatic cultural presentations and written essays presented in the Chamorro language.