In the CHamoru culture, as in many other Pacific Island cultures, elders (mañaina) are held in high regard and treated with deep respect. Individuals grow in status because of their age and experience as keepers of traditions, customs, genealogy, history, landholdings, and family secrets.
Section 5: Oral Histories and Intergenerational Conversations Read Post »
Inspired by the CHamoru/Chamorro concepts of mo’na, pa’go and tatte. The timeline covers important moments in Guåhan’s history showcasing the role that the Chamorro people, since the onset of American rule, have played in seeking a pathway towards self-determination and decolonization.
Section 4: Timeline Read Post »
Throughout the second half of the 20th century Guåhan’s leaders encountered multiple challenges to pursuing self-determination through the mechanisms available within the US domestic legal and political systems. In a plebiscite vote in 1982, 49 percent of voters chose Commonwealth as their preferred choice resulting in the drafting of a Commonwealth Act under the administration of Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo.
Section 3: Identifying Roles and Positionality Read Post »
Often, discussions of Guåhan’s quest for self-determination are mired in terminology that is difficult to make sense of. We unpack some of these terms here to allow visitors to engage more deeply with the stories presented.
Section 2: Unpacking Terms Read Post »
Few issues in Guåhan’s history garner such diverse reactions as the efforts for CHamoru self-determination and the decolonization of our island. Opinions differ on the most viable political status option, who should participate in a political status plebiscite, and whether Guåhan should even continue to pursue a change in its relationship with the United States. Part of the challenge is visualizing what a change in political status would mean for our island’s people.
Section 1: Introduction Read Post »
In 2013 Guampedia launched a new section that included twenty new entries and a slew of historical documents that highlighted the major issues, challenges and accomplishments related to Guam’s political history. Initially given the generic title “Guam Governance,” the section eventually was renamed “CHamoru Quest for Self Determination.”
Fanohge CHamoru Put I Tano-ta: Charting Our Collective Future Read Post »
Held February 2021 and themed “Navigating 500 Years of Cross Cultural Contact”
5th Marianas History Conference Read Post »
Annotated Bibliography. World War II in the Marianas (1941-1945) played a significant role in shaping the islands today. Many papers, articles and books have been written about this era of Marianas history. The following is a list of World War II books that include information about the war in the Mariana Islands, compiled by historian Dave Lotz, as of 2021.
WWII in the Marianas Books Read Post »
Since 2008, Guampedia.com has been recognized as a valuable community resource for and about the Mariana Islands. With a small managing team and a network of scholars and community partners, we serve a diverse audience of visitors from Guam and around the world who are interested in learning about our islands, our history and our people. Over the years we have continually developed new content to add to our collection of entries on a wide range of topics on Guam/Marianas history, environment, society, arts and culture. Our educational mission compels us to seek opportunities to engage with our audiences and ensure that we meet needs and expectations of the people who use our content
CHamoru Migration Survey 2021 Read Post »
The fourth Marianas History Conference, “Commemorating Our Histories,” was held at the University of Guam from Saturday, August 31 – Sunday, September 1, 2019.
4th Marianas History Conference Read Post »
