Interpreting history, culture, identity and society from an indigenous perspective
Although Chamorros have a long history of resisting the different colonial administrations that have governed the island, the latter decades of the 20th century are marked by the emergence of formalized indigenous activist groups. These groups mobilized to addressed the island’s ongoing colonial status.
OPI-R: Organization of People for Indigenous Rights Read Post »
Guam Community College created a series of 16 videos in Fino’ Håya, the indigenous language of the island of Guam, in an effort to revive, promote, and preserve this unique bond to our ancestors.
Fino’ Håya Project Read Post »
This speech was presented at Guampedia’s CHamoru Heritage Series, 24 October 2012, Latte of Freedom Hall of Governors, Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex, Adelup.
Women in Guam History: A Critical Reflection Read Post »
Mother of the Chamorro people. Fo’na is the female protagonist of the Chamorro/CHamoru creation myth. In the story, Fo’na (also spelled Fu’una) along with her brother Puntan (also spelled Pontan) devise a plan to use their bodies and spirit to create and bring life to earth and mankind.
Traditional weaver. Although weaving was once a practice in which nearly all CHamorus participated, a select few have been singled out over the past few decades due to their exemplary skill and commitment to perpetuation of the craft.
Elena C. Benavente Read Post »
Lucia Fernandez Torres (1933 – 2007) was a recognized Master of the traditional folk art of weaving. An advocate of the importance of cultural traditions, she shared her skills with others interested in learning how to weave. Her crafts have been displayed locally and in regional exhibits throughout the Pacific.
Lucia Fernandez Torres Read Post »
Maria Yatar McDonald (1955 – ) is a multi-talented musician, traditional tattoo and visual artist influenced by a wide range of artists beginning with her parents. McDonald was born in 1955 in the village of Pali, Sumai before spending nearly two decades living in the village of Sånta Rita-Sumai, and then in Hågat. She graduated from George Washington High School in 1973 and received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Guam in 1997.
Maria Yatar McDonald Read Post »
Segundo Blas (1917 – 2004) was one of the most respected and well-known traditional woodcarvers to emerge from the Mariana Islands in the 20th century. His skill in crafting canoe models, storyboards and other three-dimensional pieces, especially from ifil hardwood (Intsia bijuga), won him awards and recognition as a master artisan and woodcarver.
Floren Meno Paulino (1925 – 2022) was a traditional master weaver, specializing in plaiting coconut palm and pandanus leaves into utilitarian and decorative items. She demonstrated her skills at the Gef Pa’go Cultural Village in Inalåhan, Guam for many years.
Francisco “Frank” Rabon (1954 – ) is the founder and director of the Taotao Tano’ Cultural Dancers, whose name is synonymous with cultural dance practices in Guam. After founding the Taotao Tano’ Cultural Dance group in 1983, he continued to advance in the field of cultural dance, most notably to personally research Chamorro history, origins, migration, connection and reconstruction of indigenous Chamorro dances, chants and songs.
