Ancient Guam Era

Utak: Itak

The utak or itak (Phaethon lepturu) is a bird Chamorros/CHamorus believe plays a role as providing an omen of life and death. The bird is

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Joseph’s Church Inalåhan. Photo courtesy of the MARC.
Chamorro Culture

CHamoru/Chamorro Surnames

Traditionally, CHamorus didn’t have surnames. Each person was known by a first name and was probably referred to also according to his clan name.

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Chamorro Family, 1902. Charles Lemkuhl collection from the Micronesian Seminar (MicSem).
Chamorro Culture

CHamoru/Chamorro Nicknames

The “Better Known As” system. CHamorus have developed a way of identifying people other than their given names. Whether this “better known as” system came

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Inifresi, performed by Wettengel Elementary School's 4th Grade Reading Class, 2021.
Guampedia Resources

Guam Pledge: Inifresi

The Inifresi is usually recited during festivities/celebrations after the Guam Hymn (Fanohge Chamorro) and the Pledge of Allegiance. Inifresi was written by Bernadita Camacho Dungca,

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Fu'una, goddess of creation and sister of Puntan, gave life to the earth and humanity. I Tinituhon, Guampedia
Ancient Guam Era

CHamoru/Chamorro World View

The idea of the world being divided into different realms, as was common in the Chamorro/CHamoru view after Christianity was introduced, is one promoted or

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Patteras (Midwives), 1902. Dr. Anne Hattori collection.
Contemporary Guam: Health

Guam Pattera Interviews

The stories of Guam’s pattera, or nurse-midwives, and their history give insight into their personal legacy and professional contribution to the healthcare of women, children,

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