"Mina'dos na Huntan Manamoru: Huntan i Manamoru ni' Pumetsisigi Dinitetminan Maisa." In these videoes we see Dr. Lisa Natividad and Senator Ben Pangelinan speaking at the Chamoru Summit II, held on October 25, 2008 at the University of Guam Lecture Hall. Dr. Natividad was one the organizers for the event and Senator Pangelinan is the chair for the committee responsible for revitalizing the decolonization registry on island.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
UN Report Back: Chamorro Delegation to the United Nations
On October 7th a delegation of Chamorros testified before the United Nations Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in New York City on the question of Guam's continued colonial status.
The delegates discussed the cumulative adverse impacts of US colonization and the current military build-up, highlighting such issues as environmental contamination, Chamorro displacement, alarming cancer rates, and the infrastructural strains expected from the island's unprecedented population boom - which will make the Chamorro people a minority group in our homeland. JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION:
Saturday, November 15, 2008
7:00 pm
$5-20 donation (no one turned away)
BRAVA Theatre
2781-24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
For more information, contact famoksaiyan.jon@gmail.com or call 510.612.0195
SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!
The delegates discussed the cumulative adverse impacts of US colonization and the current military build-up, highlighting such issues as environmental contamination, Chamorro displacement, alarming cancer rates, and the infrastructural strains expected from the island's unprecedented population boom - which will make the Chamorro people a minority group in our homeland. JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION:
Saturday, November 15, 2008
7:00 pm
$5-20 donation (no one turned away)
BRAVA Theatre
2781-24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
For more information, contact famoksaiyan.jon@gmail.com or call 510.612.0195
SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Need for Progressive Solutions to the Challenges that Guam is Facing
20 years of growth in 5:
Guam population will add 42,000 by 2013
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Sunday News
September 14, 2008
During rush-hour traffic in Dededo, Tamuning and Tumon, cars often move at barely a crawl in bottleneck areas...
That's Guam today, with its population estimated at close to 173,000.
Add more than 42,000 people to that figure five years from now, according to data from a draft transportation plan.
"Guam will experience 20 years of population growth in just five years with the military buildup," the 2030 Guam Transportation Plan states.
The plan, which takes into account the U.S. military buildup, outlines massive projects that include widening and building new roads for civilian as well as military needs. The plan includes a mass transit system that would work for a lot more people than its current small pool of riders.
The military buildup has been projected to cost as much as $15 billion, and would include: relocating thousands of U.S. Marines and their families from Okinawa; expanding the Navy and Air Force bases; and building an Army ballistic missile defense facility.
By 2015, when the military buildup is expected to be complete, Guam's population will top 231,000, according to the report. Without the military buildup, it would take Guam at least two decades to reach that level of population growth.
The Department of Public Works plan proposes seeking a combination of funds from the Department of Defense, the Federal Highway Administration and other pockets within the federal government.
Some members of the community have voiced a mix of optimism and concern regarding the growth.
Preparation
John M. Lee, who owns a Shell service station along Route 3, in the general area of the preferred site for a Marine base, said he welcomes the anticipated growth.
"Wow," was Lee's initial comment when he heard of the population growth projection.
A larger population means more opportunities for entrepreneurs such as Lee, who's also opening popular Japanese pastry shop Beard Papa's at Guam Premier Outlets.
But, at the same time, Lee would like to see Guam -- as a community -- prepare better to handle the projected growth. He offered the analogy of would-be parents who must learn parenting skills as best as they can before having children.
"If we are going to expect that," he said of the population surge, "we must do our homework."
And that homework, he said, includes establishing social safety nets and a system that makes sure quality of life for those who already call Guam home doesn't suffer.
Potential strain
Economist Joseph Bradley said the bottom line is that, yes, Guam can handle the projected growth.
"After all, we did so during World War II, and again during the Vietnam War," said Bradley, a senior vice president at the Bank of Guam.
Defense Department representatives have called the proposed buildup the biggest military move in Guam since World War II.
The host community, Bradley said, won't like the potential strain of that growth -- crowding, traffic congestion, sewer overflows and water shortages.
"Unless we make some rather enormous moves now, today -- which we should have made last year, or the year before -- if we don't do whatever we can in the civilian community to prepare for what we know is coming, we will come nowhere close to optimizing the benefits that we might still receive," Bradley said.
"It is time to make the tough decisions and take the aggressive actions that are needed for the prospective growth and prosperity of Guam. Given the global economic situation, we can't afford to wait," Bradley said.
Housing
Part of the challenge when 20 years of growth is compressed into five years is whether there will be enough homes for all the newcomers.
Between 1990 and 2000, Guam has seen a population growth rate of 14 percent.
In five years, if the plan's projection is correct, the number of people on Guam will surge about 24 percent -- that means one additional person for every four people who currently live on Guam.
There's no reason to doubt the population growth projection in the transportation plan, states SMS Research and Marketing Inc., a Honolulu research partner for PCR Environmental Inc. PCR has been selected to conduct a housing study for the government of Guam.
Accommodating a population of 215,000 by 2013 would require housing construction rates on Guam to increase by 40 percent to 50 percent, according to SMS.
"If ... the 215,000 projection is used, and there is no change in the housing production rate, Guam would need an additional 5,573 new units, or almost 1,115 units per year, between 2008 and 2013," SMS officials said.
Contrasting markets
The military buildup puts Guam's economic outlook in stark contrast with the gloom engulfing the housing market in the U.S. mainland.
In most of the nation, the number of new homes being built has fallen to lows not seen in decades, while home purchases have seen double-digit drops, according to wire news service reports.
In contrast, Guam faces an overall construction boom that's in the billions of dollars for both private-sector and military projects.
Based on the 2015 population projection, Guam would need about 7,500 more civilian housing units, said Nick Captain, president of Captain Real Estate. His company tracks local housing data.
The military also is expected to build houses within the proposed Marine base in the Finegayan area on Route 3. About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents are expected to move to Guam.
The bulk of the military buildup construction is expected to start in 2010 -- if the military receives all the environmental clearances it needs by early next year.
During the buildup's construction phase, 12,000 to as many as 20,000 additional construction workers are expected to be needed on Guam, and their count is included in the 2015 population projection.
The military, in an industry forum on Guam earlier this year, floated the idea of Olympic-village-style housing for the temporary workers. The worker housing could be converted into low-cost housing for Guam residents when the projects are completed, according to initial discussions between the local government and Defense Department representatives.
Captain emphasized that Guam is in a unique position of being perhaps the only U.S. location with guaranteed and significant major boost in population and economic growth within the next several years.
"Guam is looking at a phenomenal period of population and economic growth over the next five years, and there will be good and bad accompanying that growth," Captain said. "It is a phenomenal growth."
Guam currently has about 26,500 stand-alone housing units and approximately 5,000 condominium units, according to Captain's estimates. The vacancy rate for the stand-alone houses, or single-family dwellings, is around 10 percent at this time, he estimated.
"If we play our cards right, and the government makes good decisions, the quality of life will increase," Captain said.
Developing social safety nets for local residents is key to helping Guam residents as the island transforms into a much bigger community, Captain said.
Guam population will add 42,000 by 2013
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Sunday News
September 14, 2008
During rush-hour traffic in Dededo, Tamuning and Tumon, cars often move at barely a crawl in bottleneck areas...
That's Guam today, with its population estimated at close to 173,000.
Add more than 42,000 people to that figure five years from now, according to data from a draft transportation plan.
"Guam will experience 20 years of population growth in just five years with the military buildup," the 2030 Guam Transportation Plan states.
The plan, which takes into account the U.S. military buildup, outlines massive projects that include widening and building new roads for civilian as well as military needs. The plan includes a mass transit system that would work for a lot more people than its current small pool of riders.
The military buildup has been projected to cost as much as $15 billion, and would include: relocating thousands of U.S. Marines and their families from Okinawa; expanding the Navy and Air Force bases; and building an Army ballistic missile defense facility.
By 2015, when the military buildup is expected to be complete, Guam's population will top 231,000, according to the report. Without the military buildup, it would take Guam at least two decades to reach that level of population growth.
The Department of Public Works plan proposes seeking a combination of funds from the Department of Defense, the Federal Highway Administration and other pockets within the federal government.
Some members of the community have voiced a mix of optimism and concern regarding the growth.
Preparation
John M. Lee, who owns a Shell service station along Route 3, in the general area of the preferred site for a Marine base, said he welcomes the anticipated growth.
"Wow," was Lee's initial comment when he heard of the population growth projection.
A larger population means more opportunities for entrepreneurs such as Lee, who's also opening popular Japanese pastry shop Beard Papa's at Guam Premier Outlets.
But, at the same time, Lee would like to see Guam -- as a community -- prepare better to handle the projected growth. He offered the analogy of would-be parents who must learn parenting skills as best as they can before having children.
"If we are going to expect that," he said of the population surge, "we must do our homework."
And that homework, he said, includes establishing social safety nets and a system that makes sure quality of life for those who already call Guam home doesn't suffer.
Potential strain
Economist Joseph Bradley said the bottom line is that, yes, Guam can handle the projected growth.
"After all, we did so during World War II, and again during the Vietnam War," said Bradley, a senior vice president at the Bank of Guam.
Defense Department representatives have called the proposed buildup the biggest military move in Guam since World War II.
The host community, Bradley said, won't like the potential strain of that growth -- crowding, traffic congestion, sewer overflows and water shortages.
"Unless we make some rather enormous moves now, today -- which we should have made last year, or the year before -- if we don't do whatever we can in the civilian community to prepare for what we know is coming, we will come nowhere close to optimizing the benefits that we might still receive," Bradley said.
"It is time to make the tough decisions and take the aggressive actions that are needed for the prospective growth and prosperity of Guam. Given the global economic situation, we can't afford to wait," Bradley said.
Housing
Part of the challenge when 20 years of growth is compressed into five years is whether there will be enough homes for all the newcomers.
Between 1990 and 2000, Guam has seen a population growth rate of 14 percent.
In five years, if the plan's projection is correct, the number of people on Guam will surge about 24 percent -- that means one additional person for every four people who currently live on Guam.
There's no reason to doubt the population growth projection in the transportation plan, states SMS Research and Marketing Inc., a Honolulu research partner for PCR Environmental Inc. PCR has been selected to conduct a housing study for the government of Guam.
Accommodating a population of 215,000 by 2013 would require housing construction rates on Guam to increase by 40 percent to 50 percent, according to SMS.
"If ... the 215,000 projection is used, and there is no change in the housing production rate, Guam would need an additional 5,573 new units, or almost 1,115 units per year, between 2008 and 2013," SMS officials said.
Contrasting markets
The military buildup puts Guam's economic outlook in stark contrast with the gloom engulfing the housing market in the U.S. mainland.
In most of the nation, the number of new homes being built has fallen to lows not seen in decades, while home purchases have seen double-digit drops, according to wire news service reports.
In contrast, Guam faces an overall construction boom that's in the billions of dollars for both private-sector and military projects.
Based on the 2015 population projection, Guam would need about 7,500 more civilian housing units, said Nick Captain, president of Captain Real Estate. His company tracks local housing data.
The military also is expected to build houses within the proposed Marine base in the Finegayan area on Route 3. About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents are expected to move to Guam.
The bulk of the military buildup construction is expected to start in 2010 -- if the military receives all the environmental clearances it needs by early next year.
During the buildup's construction phase, 12,000 to as many as 20,000 additional construction workers are expected to be needed on Guam, and their count is included in the 2015 population projection.
The military, in an industry forum on Guam earlier this year, floated the idea of Olympic-village-style housing for the temporary workers. The worker housing could be converted into low-cost housing for Guam residents when the projects are completed, according to initial discussions between the local government and Defense Department representatives.
Captain emphasized that Guam is in a unique position of being perhaps the only U.S. location with guaranteed and significant major boost in population and economic growth within the next several years.
"Guam is looking at a phenomenal period of population and economic growth over the next five years, and there will be good and bad accompanying that growth," Captain said. "It is a phenomenal growth."
Guam currently has about 26,500 stand-alone housing units and approximately 5,000 condominium units, according to Captain's estimates. The vacancy rate for the stand-alone houses, or single-family dwellings, is around 10 percent at this time, he estimated.
"If we play our cards right, and the government makes good decisions, the quality of life will increase," Captain said.
Developing social safety nets for local residents is key to helping Guam residents as the island transforms into a much bigger community, Captain said.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Final Guma'Famoksaiyan Schedule
Famoksaiyan 2008 schedule
MAY 23-25, 2008
San Diego, CA
_____________________________________
May 24th - Day 2 of the Conference @ Joyce Beers Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
8:00 – 9: 00 am: Breakfast, set up time
9:00 – 10:00 am: Introduction, Famoksaiyan and how far we’ve come since 2006
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #1- Chamorro Speed Dating
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 1 (Single)
Updates on the Environment and the Military in the Marianas
Coordinators: Sabina Flores Perez, Rima Miles and Michael Lujan Bevacqua
12:30 -1:30 pm - LUNCH (provided by Islander Grill)
1:30 – 3:00 pm: Session 2 (Single)
Guam Feature Film Project
Presenter: Alex Munoz
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Session 3 (Single)
Guam Humanities Council – Guampedia
Presenter: Shannon Murphy
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Closing: Open Mic
______________________________________________________
MAY 25 - Day 3 of the Conference – Son’s and Daughters of Guam Club
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast, Setup time
9:00 – 10:00: Second Day opening
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #2: Learning Chamorro through songs
Coordinators: Erica Nalani Benton, Victoria Leon Guerrero, Michael Gumataotao Tuncap, Michael Lujan Bevacqua
11:00 am -12:30 pm: Session 4 (Breakout)
Sessions A: Weaving
Coordinator: Angela Carrier
Sessions B: Poetry
Coordinator: Craig Santos Perez
Sessions C: Fiction
Coordinator: Victoria Leon Guerrero
Sessions D: Music
Coordinator: Erica Nalani Benton
12:30-1:30 pm: LUNCH (provided by the family of Josette Quinata)
1:30-3:00 pm: Decolonization Roleplaying (a group activity where people are divided into different camps on Guam or in the diaspora and must discuss with each other, and convince each other about the importance of decolonization)
4:00 – 5:30 pm:
Famoksaiyan Working Groups
Tentative List: Famoksaiyan website, Famoksaiyan Newsletter, Funding Movements on Guam, Setting up Fiesta Outreach Schedule, Making Youtube videos
5:30 – 6:30: Closing: Oral history fishbowl session
MAY 23-25, 2008
San Diego, CA
_____________________________________
May 24th - Day 2 of the Conference @ Joyce Beers Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
8:00 – 9: 00 am: Breakfast, set up time
9:00 – 10:00 am: Introduction, Famoksaiyan and how far we’ve come since 2006
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #1- Chamorro Speed Dating
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 1 (Single)
Updates on the Environment and the Military in the Marianas
Coordinators: Sabina Flores Perez, Rima Miles and Michael Lujan Bevacqua
12:30 -1:30 pm - LUNCH (provided by Islander Grill)
1:30 – 3:00 pm: Session 2 (Single)
Guam Feature Film Project
Presenter: Alex Munoz
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Session 3 (Single)
Guam Humanities Council – Guampedia
Presenter: Shannon Murphy
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Closing: Open Mic
______________________________________________________
MAY 25 - Day 3 of the Conference – Son’s and Daughters of Guam Club
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast, Setup time
9:00 – 10:00: Second Day opening
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #2: Learning Chamorro through songs
Coordinators: Erica Nalani Benton, Victoria Leon Guerrero, Michael Gumataotao Tuncap, Michael Lujan Bevacqua
11:00 am -12:30 pm: Session 4 (Breakout)
Sessions A: Weaving
Coordinator: Angela Carrier
Sessions B: Poetry
Coordinator: Craig Santos Perez
Sessions C: Fiction
Coordinator: Victoria Leon Guerrero
Sessions D: Music
Coordinator: Erica Nalani Benton
12:30-1:30 pm: LUNCH (provided by the family of Josette Quinata)
1:30-3:00 pm: Decolonization Roleplaying (a group activity where people are divided into different camps on Guam or in the diaspora and must discuss with each other, and convince each other about the importance of decolonization)
4:00 – 5:30 pm:
Famoksaiyan Working Groups
Tentative List: Famoksaiyan website, Famoksaiyan Newsletter, Funding Movements on Guam, Setting up Fiesta Outreach Schedule, Making Youtube videos
5:30 – 6:30: Closing: Oral history fishbowl session
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
10 Days Away
Hafa Adai, we're less than two weeks away from the Guma'Famoksaiyan gathering.
If you have any questions, please contact me at mlbasquiat@hotmail.com
Also, if you are planning on attending and need help with transportation or housing, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact me at mlbasquiat@hotmail.com
Also, if you are planning on attending and need help with transportation or housing, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tentative Conference Schedule
Tentative Famoksaiyan 2008 schedule
MAY 23-25, 2008
San Diego, CA
_____________________________________
May 24th - Day 2 of the Conference @ Joyce Beers Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
8:00 – 9: 00 am: Breakfast, set up time
9:00 – 10:00 am: Introduction, Famoksaiyan and how far we’ve come since 2006
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #1- Chamorro Speed Dating
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 1 (Single)
Updates on the Environment and the Military in the Marianas
12:30 -1:30 pm - LUNCH
1:30 – 3:00 pm: Session 2 (Single)
Guam Feature Film Project
Presenter: Alex Munoz
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Session 3 (Single)
Guam Humanities Council – Guampedia
Presenter: Shannon Murphy
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Closing
______________________________________________________
MAY 25 - Day 3 of the Conference – Son’s and Daughters of Guam Club
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast, Setup time
9:00 – 10:00: Second Day opening
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #2: Learning Chamorro through songs
11:00 am -12:30 pm: Session 4 (Breakout)
Sessions A: Weaving
Sessions B: Poetry
Sessions C: Fiction
Sessions D: Music
12:30-1:30 pm: LUNCH
1:30-3:00 pm: Decolonization Roleplaying (a group activity where people are divided into different camps on Guam or in the diaspora and must discuss with each other, and convince each other about the importance of decolonization)
4:00 – 5:30 pm:
Famoksaiyan Working Groups
Tentative List: Famoksaiyan website, Famoksaiyan Newsletter, Funding Movements on Guam, Setting up Fiesta Outreach Schedule, Making Youtube videos
5:30 – 6:30: Closing
MAY 23-25, 2008
San Diego, CA
_____________________________________
May 24th - Day 2 of the Conference @ Joyce Beers Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
8:00 – 9: 00 am: Breakfast, set up time
9:00 – 10:00 am: Introduction, Famoksaiyan and how far we’ve come since 2006
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #1- Chamorro Speed Dating
11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Session 1 (Single)
Updates on the Environment and the Military in the Marianas
12:30 -1:30 pm - LUNCH
1:30 – 3:00 pm: Session 2 (Single)
Guam Feature Film Project
Presenter: Alex Munoz
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Session 3 (Single)
Guam Humanities Council – Guampedia
Presenter: Shannon Murphy
4:30 – 5:30 pm: Closing
______________________________________________________
MAY 25 - Day 3 of the Conference – Son’s and Daughters of Guam Club
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast, Setup time
9:00 – 10:00: Second Day opening
10:00 – 11:00 am: Language Ice-Breaker #2: Learning Chamorro through songs
11:00 am -12:30 pm: Session 4 (Breakout)
Sessions A: Weaving
Sessions B: Poetry
Sessions C: Fiction
Sessions D: Music
12:30-1:30 pm: LUNCH
1:30-3:00 pm: Decolonization Roleplaying (a group activity where people are divided into different camps on Guam or in the diaspora and must discuss with each other, and convince each other about the importance of decolonization)
4:00 – 5:30 pm:
Famoksaiyan Working Groups
Tentative List: Famoksaiyan website, Famoksaiyan Newsletter, Funding Movements on Guam, Setting up Fiesta Outreach Schedule, Making Youtube videos
5:30 – 6:30: Closing
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Guma'Famoksaiyan
Guma’Famoksaiyan
Gathering Strength for our Journey Ahead
May 23-25, 2008
San Diego, California
Famoksaiyan is a group comprised of dedicated and passionate people who work on issues of decolonization, cultural and language revitalization and the dissemination of information regarding the proposed military build up of Guam. The organization’s first conference was held in San Diego, California, on April 14-15, 2006, and was titled Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures. The people who attended that first gathering left with the desire to transform the energy and excitement of the conference into something more sustainable.
Famoksaiyan translates into “the time or place of nurturing or growing,” or “the time to paddle forward.” And it was in this spirit that more than 70 Chamorros and individuals of other ethnic identities from Guam gathered together to share their work, ideas and stories in hope of effecting a positive change for Chamorro communities in the Marianas Islands and the United States.
In a short period of time, Famoksaiyan has organized and assisted in organizing several historic meetings, trips and conferences. Most prominently amongst these have been the following:
• Three trips to the United Nations to testify to the international community on the question of Guam.
• The “Decolonizing Our Lives” forum held at the University of Guam, which gathered more than 250 people. The event served to educate individuals about what different organizations are doing to facilitate Guam’s political and cultural decolonization.
• A second Famoksaiyan conference held on April 20-22, 2007, in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Titled Famoksaiyan: “Our Time to Paddle Forward,” Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination, the conference brought together more than three hundred people to share and learn about the struggles of indigenous people in the Pacific and the Americas.
As part of Famoksaiyan’s continuing commitment to the decolonization of Chamorro lands and lives, we are pleased to announce in cooperation with Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHELU) Inc.:
Guma’Famoksaiyan
Gathering our Strength for the Journey Ahead
Day 1 Friday, May 23, 2008 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Famoksaiyan Sustainability Meeting
CHELU Inc. Office
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
Day 2 May 24, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
I Salud i Taotao yan i Tano’
Joyce Beers Community Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Day 3 May 25, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ma’cho’cho’cho’ para i Mamamaila
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
In times past, knowledge, skills, family and village histories were passed down to the younger generations through different guma’ or houses, such as the guma’saga’ or the family home, or the guma’ulitao, the bachelor’s house. In these spaces young Chamorros, would be given the crucial knowledge of their family, clan and village genealogy, and also be imparted the necessary skills for tasks such as planting, fishing, navigation, debate and weaving. Through this inter-generational sharing, young Chamorros would be prepared to be productive, respectful and active members of both their clan and their village.
As Chamorros and their islands face uncertain futures due to various economic, health, environmental, military and social concerns, it is crucial that we come together to work towards developing progressive solutions to these problems. This year’s gathering hopes to continue the spirit of our ancestors by creating a guma’famoksaiyan, or a house where we can nurture each other, grow and strategize ways to continue paddling forward. We will do this by first, providing presentations and facilitating discussions about fundamental issues that are affecting our people and our islands, whether it be health and diet issues, the impending military buildup, the reality of Guam’s physical environment, the decolonization of Guam and the plight of the Chamorro language. Second, in the hopes of building a more progressive and critical Chamorro / Guam community, we will also convene working groups to discuss different projects and strategies to creatively and effectively confront the existing problems that face our island.
Attending the gathering is free, however donations will be taken throughout the weekend. Please contact Michael Lujan Bevacqua (mlbasquiat@hotmail.com) or Leiana San Agustin Naholowaa (leiana@gmail.com) for more information.
Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity, Inc. (CHE’LU) is the official fiscal sponsor of Famoksaiyan and the Guma’Famoksaiyan gathering in May 2008 in San Diego, California. CHE’LU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations made to Famoksaiyan are eligible for tax deduction. Neither CHE’LU nor Famoksaiyan support any political candidate, party or affiliation in compliance with the laws governing nonprofit institutions.
Gathering Strength for our Journey Ahead
May 23-25, 2008
San Diego, California
Famoksaiyan is a group comprised of dedicated and passionate people who work on issues of decolonization, cultural and language revitalization and the dissemination of information regarding the proposed military build up of Guam. The organization’s first conference was held in San Diego, California, on April 14-15, 2006, and was titled Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures. The people who attended that first gathering left with the desire to transform the energy and excitement of the conference into something more sustainable.
Famoksaiyan translates into “the time or place of nurturing or growing,” or “the time to paddle forward.” And it was in this spirit that more than 70 Chamorros and individuals of other ethnic identities from Guam gathered together to share their work, ideas and stories in hope of effecting a positive change for Chamorro communities in the Marianas Islands and the United States.
In a short period of time, Famoksaiyan has organized and assisted in organizing several historic meetings, trips and conferences. Most prominently amongst these have been the following:
• Three trips to the United Nations to testify to the international community on the question of Guam.
• The “Decolonizing Our Lives” forum held at the University of Guam, which gathered more than 250 people. The event served to educate individuals about what different organizations are doing to facilitate Guam’s political and cultural decolonization.
• A second Famoksaiyan conference held on April 20-22, 2007, in Berkeley and Oakland, California. Titled Famoksaiyan: “Our Time to Paddle Forward,” Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination, the conference brought together more than three hundred people to share and learn about the struggles of indigenous people in the Pacific and the Americas.
As part of Famoksaiyan’s continuing commitment to the decolonization of Chamorro lands and lives, we are pleased to announce in cooperation with Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHELU) Inc.:
Guma’Famoksaiyan
Gathering our Strength for the Journey Ahead
Day 1 Friday, May 23, 2008 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Famoksaiyan Sustainability Meeting
CHELU Inc. Office
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
Day 2 May 24, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
I Salud i Taotao yan i Tano’
Joyce Beers Community Center
1220 Cleveland Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Day 3 May 25, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ma’cho’cho’cho’ para i Mamamaila
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
334 Willie James Jones Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
In times past, knowledge, skills, family and village histories were passed down to the younger generations through different guma’ or houses, such as the guma’saga’ or the family home, or the guma’ulitao, the bachelor’s house. In these spaces young Chamorros, would be given the crucial knowledge of their family, clan and village genealogy, and also be imparted the necessary skills for tasks such as planting, fishing, navigation, debate and weaving. Through this inter-generational sharing, young Chamorros would be prepared to be productive, respectful and active members of both their clan and their village.
As Chamorros and their islands face uncertain futures due to various economic, health, environmental, military and social concerns, it is crucial that we come together to work towards developing progressive solutions to these problems. This year’s gathering hopes to continue the spirit of our ancestors by creating a guma’famoksaiyan, or a house where we can nurture each other, grow and strategize ways to continue paddling forward. We will do this by first, providing presentations and facilitating discussions about fundamental issues that are affecting our people and our islands, whether it be health and diet issues, the impending military buildup, the reality of Guam’s physical environment, the decolonization of Guam and the plight of the Chamorro language. Second, in the hopes of building a more progressive and critical Chamorro / Guam community, we will also convene working groups to discuss different projects and strategies to creatively and effectively confront the existing problems that face our island.
Attending the gathering is free, however donations will be taken throughout the weekend. Please contact Michael Lujan Bevacqua (mlbasquiat@hotmail.com) or Leiana San Agustin Naholowaa (leiana@gmail.com) for more information.
Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity, Inc. (CHE’LU) is the official fiscal sponsor of Famoksaiyan and the Guma’Famoksaiyan gathering in May 2008 in San Diego, California. CHE’LU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations made to Famoksaiyan are eligible for tax deduction. Neither CHE’LU nor Famoksaiyan support any political candidate, party or affiliation in compliance with the laws governing nonprofit institutions.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Headcount
I'm doing a headcount right now of all who will be attending the gathering in May. If you are planning on attending or know people who are planning on attending, please email me ASAP at mlbasquiat@hotmail.com. We're in the final stages of planning now and so we need a headcount right now before we proceed. 
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Maga'haga
Below is the Youtube mini-documentary Maga'haga' (and description) which Famoksaiyan helped make possible:
Guam's Women Leaders Say No to U.S. Military Build-Up
By 2014, the United States plans to spend $10 billion to move 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam, increasing its presence there by more than three fold. The small island of Guam, where only 172,000 people live, will be flooded with the burden of 40,000 more people associated with the military build-up.
On August 13, 2007, in a meeting with U.S. Congressional representatives, a group of Guam's maga'haga raised their hands and voices against the movement of thousands of marines, sailors and airmen, and more nuclear submarines and bombers to their island home. In Ancient times, "maga'haga" were the eldest daughters of a clan, who shared the responsibilities of running the clan's affairs and governing its resources with the "maga'lahi," or the eldest sons. Today, the term refers to a strong female leader.
Maga'haga, a short film that documents the meeting, shows how the decision to increase the U.S. military presence on Guam is being made without the consent of Guam's people. The film also illustrates the unwavering strength and determination of the island's women.
Guam's Women Leaders Say No to U.S. Military Build-Up
By 2014, the United States plans to spend $10 billion to move 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam, increasing its presence there by more than three fold. The small island of Guam, where only 172,000 people live, will be flooded with the burden of 40,000 more people associated with the military build-up.
On August 13, 2007, in a meeting with U.S. Congressional representatives, a group of Guam's maga'haga raised their hands and voices against the movement of thousands of marines, sailors and airmen, and more nuclear submarines and bombers to their island home. In Ancient times, "maga'haga" were the eldest daughters of a clan, who shared the responsibilities of running the clan's affairs and governing its resources with the "maga'lahi," or the eldest sons. Today, the term refers to a strong female leader.
Maga'haga, a short film that documents the meeting, shows how the decision to increase the U.S. military presence on Guam is being made without the consent of Guam's people. The film also illustrates the unwavering strength and determination of the island's women.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Famoksaiyan Hugua
Famoksaiyan's second annual gathering was successful almost beyond belief. More than 300 people from all over the Pacific, and from different indigenous groups attended.
I'm pasting the call for papers below.
************************
FAMOKSAIYAN: “Our Time to Paddle Forward”
Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination
April 20-22, 2007
History:
On 14 & 15 April 2006 more than 100 Chamorro scholars, activists, and community leaders gathered at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego to share their work and research, and to participate in discussions relating to the future of their people and native homelands. The name of this gathering was Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures. This initial meeting of native leaders inspired such a great deal of research questions and possibilities that concrete action plans were soon implemented on an international forum.
Over the past year we have held regional meetings in Berkeley, Long Beach, Oakland and Guam and helped plan a number of historic events. In October of 2006, several members of Famoksaiyan organized a trip to New York City to testify before the United Nations Committee on Decolonization, about the question of Guam’s continuing colonial status. During that same month a representative of Famoksaiyan presented at the National Pacific American Leadership Institute before a delegation of three hundred distinguished leaders and professionals in Hawai’i.
In November 2007 a town hall forum and report on the United Nation’s trip called “Remembering Our Roots: Decolonization in Guahan” was held in Berkeley, and was attended by Berkeley students and bay area residents interested in learning more about Chamorros and their struggles. In January of this year, Famoksaiyan participated in and helped coordinate the forum “Decolonizing Our Lives: A Progress Report on the Status of Human Rights on Guam” which brought more than 250 community members together at the University of Guam, to learn what different organizations are doing to facilitate Guam’s political and cultural decolonization.
The Future:
As part of Famoksaiyan’s continuing commitment to building progressive networks within the Chamorro community and among Pacific Islander, Native American, Puerto Rican and Chicano organizations throughout the world, with the shared goals of decolonization and self determination, we are pleased to announce:
Famoksaiyan:
Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination
April 20 -22, 2007 in Berkeley and Oakland, California.
This year we are interested in strengthening existing networks, building new ones, and more importantly, giving those interested the skills to promote the work of decolonization and cultural and historical revitalization in their politics, their creative work and everyday interactions. We are pleased to announce that this year’s conference will include: Chicanos, Pacific Islanders, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans and others interested in improving the opportunities and life conditions of indigenous peoples throughout the world. The conference is open to the public, and there is no fee to attend.
We therefore invite individuals or organizations to submit proposals for workshops, presentations or working groups related, but not limited to the following suggested formats:
1). A workshop designed to teach important skills: creative writing, how to talk to your family about decolonization, web development or graphic design, Chamorro language, etc.
2). An informational session designed to teach attendees or enhance their understanding about historical or contemporary issues such as: Guam history, the military build up in Guam, the state of Guam’s environment, US/Guam territorial relations, etc.
3). A working group which will strategize or develop plans and goals around a particular topic or issue such as: sustainable economics, how to reform media, how to revitalize Chamorro language, coalition building with other Pacific Islander groups, etc.
4). Updates on ongoing artistic or community projects such as films, research studies, events, grants, etc.
Your submission should include a proposal (no more than one page), describing the nature of the working group or panel presentation that you intend to organize, along with your contact information (mailing address, telephone and email). Please list which topic most appropriately describes your presentation:
1) Decolonization 2) Self Determination 3) Education 4) Research 5) Healthcare 6) Public Policy 7) Law 8) Employment 9) Community Activism 10) Stewardship/Leadership 11) Cultural Preservation 12) Language
The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2007. Proposals will be accepted after this date, only if space is available. Please email your submissions and any questions to Miget (Michael) Lujan Bevacqua at mbevacqua@ucsd.edu or to Migetu (Michael) Tuncap kupua@berkeley.edu
Si Yu’us Ma’ase. Biba i mannatibu! Biba Chamoru! Na’la’l’a mo’ña i taotao Marianas!
I'm pasting the call for papers below.
************************
FAMOKSAIYAN: “Our Time to Paddle Forward”
Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination
April 20-22, 2007
History:
On 14 & 15 April 2006 more than 100 Chamorro scholars, activists, and community leaders gathered at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego to share their work and research, and to participate in discussions relating to the future of their people and native homelands. The name of this gathering was Famoksaiyan: Decolonizing Chamorro Histories, Identities and Futures. This initial meeting of native leaders inspired such a great deal of research questions and possibilities that concrete action plans were soon implemented on an international forum.
Over the past year we have held regional meetings in Berkeley, Long Beach, Oakland and Guam and helped plan a number of historic events. In October of 2006, several members of Famoksaiyan organized a trip to New York City to testify before the United Nations Committee on Decolonization, about the question of Guam’s continuing colonial status. During that same month a representative of Famoksaiyan presented at the National Pacific American Leadership Institute before a delegation of three hundred distinguished leaders and professionals in Hawai’i.
In November 2007 a town hall forum and report on the United Nation’s trip called “Remembering Our Roots: Decolonization in Guahan” was held in Berkeley, and was attended by Berkeley students and bay area residents interested in learning more about Chamorros and their struggles. In January of this year, Famoksaiyan participated in and helped coordinate the forum “Decolonizing Our Lives: A Progress Report on the Status of Human Rights on Guam” which brought more than 250 community members together at the University of Guam, to learn what different organizations are doing to facilitate Guam’s political and cultural decolonization.
The Future:
As part of Famoksaiyan’s continuing commitment to building progressive networks within the Chamorro community and among Pacific Islander, Native American, Puerto Rican and Chicano organizations throughout the world, with the shared goals of decolonization and self determination, we are pleased to announce:
Famoksaiyan:
Summit on Decolonization and Native Self-Determination
April 20 -22, 2007 in Berkeley and Oakland, California.
This year we are interested in strengthening existing networks, building new ones, and more importantly, giving those interested the skills to promote the work of decolonization and cultural and historical revitalization in their politics, their creative work and everyday interactions. We are pleased to announce that this year’s conference will include: Chicanos, Pacific Islanders, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans and others interested in improving the opportunities and life conditions of indigenous peoples throughout the world. The conference is open to the public, and there is no fee to attend.
We therefore invite individuals or organizations to submit proposals for workshops, presentations or working groups related, but not limited to the following suggested formats:
1). A workshop designed to teach important skills: creative writing, how to talk to your family about decolonization, web development or graphic design, Chamorro language, etc.
2). An informational session designed to teach attendees or enhance their understanding about historical or contemporary issues such as: Guam history, the military build up in Guam, the state of Guam’s environment, US/Guam territorial relations, etc.
3). A working group which will strategize or develop plans and goals around a particular topic or issue such as: sustainable economics, how to reform media, how to revitalize Chamorro language, coalition building with other Pacific Islander groups, etc.
4). Updates on ongoing artistic or community projects such as films, research studies, events, grants, etc.
Your submission should include a proposal (no more than one page), describing the nature of the working group or panel presentation that you intend to organize, along with your contact information (mailing address, telephone and email). Please list which topic most appropriately describes your presentation:
1) Decolonization 2) Self Determination 3) Education 4) Research 5) Healthcare 6) Public Policy 7) Law 8) Employment 9) Community Activism 10) Stewardship/Leadership 11) Cultural Preservation 12) Language
The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2007. Proposals will be accepted after this date, only if space is available. Please email your submissions and any questions to Miget (Michael) Lujan Bevacqua at mbevacqua@ucsd.edu or to Migetu (Michael) Tuncap kupua@berkeley.edu
Si Yu’us Ma’ase. Biba i mannatibu! Biba Chamoru! Na’la’l’a mo’ña i taotao Marianas!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sons and Daughters of Guam Club
The first Famoksaiyan conference took place at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego California. This club is one of the oldest in the United States, first established in 1953. Today, it is a central location for Chamorros in San Diego and in Southern California.
Here is a video taken during one of the senior lunches that they have at the Guam club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
This year we are bringing the conference back to the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club.
Here is a video taken during one of the senior lunches that they have at the Guam club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
This year we are bringing the conference back to the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Donations
March 1, 2008
Buenas yan Hafa Adai,
This May in San Diego, Famoksaiyan, with the sponsorship of Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHELU) Inc., will convene Guma’Famoksaiyan, the first of its kind, skills-building weekend that will empower passionate individuals concerned about the future of Guam. The event will consist of interactive workshops, enriching presentations and lively discussions on issues like health and diet, the impending military buildup, environmental concerns and the decline of the Chamorro language.
We ask for your support to make Guma’Famoksaiyan a reality. In precolonial times, knowledge, skills, family and village histories were passed down to the younger generations through different guma’ or houses. This inter-generational sharing was gradually depleted due to years of colonization by outside forces. Through the Guamanian activist network of Famoksaiyan, we hope to restore Chamorro cultural heritage and empowerment for our generation and many more to come.
Since its first conference in 2006, Famoksaiyan has provided many networking opportunities for students, teachers, scholars, artists, activists, and many wishing to reconnect to the Chamorro culture.
We hope that Guma’Famoksaiyan will be an important opportunity for many women and men, young and old, to learn the Chamorro language and gain skills that will empower their activism and struggle for social justice and equality.
Please help us foster a nurturing environment so that we may strategize and work creatively to reverse the tide of destructive change on our island.
To make a donation contact Josette Quinata at chamorro_guahan@hotmail.com or you can donate through Pay Pal by clicking here.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase,
Buenas yan Hafa Adai,
This May in San Diego, Famoksaiyan, with the sponsorship of Chamorro Hands in Education Links Unity (CHELU) Inc., will convene Guma’Famoksaiyan, the first of its kind, skills-building weekend that will empower passionate individuals concerned about the future of Guam. The event will consist of interactive workshops, enriching presentations and lively discussions on issues like health and diet, the impending military buildup, environmental concerns and the decline of the Chamorro language.
We ask for your support to make Guma’Famoksaiyan a reality. In precolonial times, knowledge, skills, family and village histories were passed down to the younger generations through different guma’ or houses. This inter-generational sharing was gradually depleted due to years of colonization by outside forces. Through the Guamanian activist network of Famoksaiyan, we hope to restore Chamorro cultural heritage and empowerment for our generation and many more to come.
Since its first conference in 2006, Famoksaiyan has provided many networking opportunities for students, teachers, scholars, artists, activists, and many wishing to reconnect to the Chamorro culture.
We hope that Guma’Famoksaiyan will be an important opportunity for many women and men, young and old, to learn the Chamorro language and gain skills that will empower their activism and struggle for social justice and equality.
Please help us foster a nurturing environment so that we may strategize and work creatively to reverse the tide of destructive change on our island.
To make a donation contact Josette Quinata at chamorro_guahan@hotmail.com or you can donate through Pay Pal by clicking here.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase,
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Famoksaiyan Hacha
We've come a long way over the past three years, but Famoksaiyan began in 2006, as a Chamorro student conference which took place on April 14-15, 2006 at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego.
Below is the call for papers. The focus for that year's conference was alot more academic than the one in 2007 and that one for this year. Despite, this focus which could be considered limiting, we still had a fantastic turnout, and the energy from those presenting and those attending was incredible, and helped make possible all that has happened since.
*****************************
Call for Papers
FAMOKSAIYAN: Chamorro History, Identity and Decolonization
April 14-15, 2006
Ginnen i Manaina-ta. Ginnen i Manguelo-ta. Hita I taotao Guahan yan Luta yan Saipan yan Tinian. Hita i taotao tano yan i tasi. Mungga maleffa I Manma’pos yan Fanmanhasso todu tiempo put I Manmamaila.
Ginnen Manu Hit? Hayi hit pa’go? Para Manu Hit? These are questions of our past, present and future which we can never ever let go. As simple as these questions may appear, finding indigenous answers to them is harder than one would think. While questions of cultural preservation (What to keep?) and adaptation (What to change?) are vital to our survival, they must always be asked in relation to less visible and potentially more difficult problems which nonetheless greatly impact our lives. Banal colonialism, familiar and frighteningly familial militarism and enthusiastic patriotism are just a few of the dire issues Chamorros around the world are confronted with today. An invisible minority in the United States, their island of Guam one of the world’s last “official” colonies and recently christened the tip of America’s military spear in Asia, with the arrival of 7,000 new Marines, the future of Chamorros and their islands seems inevitably entangled with that of the United States and its strategic interests.seems inevitably entangled with that of the United States and its strategic interests.
Is this the fate of Chamorros and the Marianas, to be forever linked to the United States in this way? And do little other than follow and attempt to live up to as well as within its mandates, its examples and its dreams? Is the only hope for Chamorros, to follow the advice of the Bush Administration and let go of their cultures that hold them back and at last seize the American dream?
Commonsense in Marianas, but in particular Guam dictates that the answers to all problems lie in imagining, desiring and moving East towards the United States and changing Guam based on what America “represents.” The government can be fixed by calling in “The Feds.” Utilities can be fixed by privatizing them. Health care, politics and education can be fixed by whitening its professionals, replacing locals with non-locals. All of these solutions trap Chamorros in a vicious cycle of paternalistic dependency which prevents any and all fundamental change from taking place, thus protecting the American character of certain institutions (such as government, education, economics) and forcing any discussions of how to improve our lives to fixate and obsession with local or Chamorro elements (such as Chamorro politicians). But as obvious imperialist impulses in Iraq and Afghanistan and the systemic racism and corruption around Hurricane Katrina indicate, our benevolent father figure Uncle Sam is far from benevolent and far from the best answer to our problems.
How can Chamorros chart a future for themselves which doesn’t automatically assume that “what is good for America must be good for Guam?” What role does the possible re-unification of the Marianas islands play in making a different future possible? How does the realities of Chamorro diaspora, where more Chamorros are in the United States than in the Marianas force us to develop different strategies to include and connect to those thousands of miles away? How can Chamorros resist or critique the incessant and overwhelming demands of the United States military, when our lives, whether through relatives in Iraq, frequent editorials on our unavoidable military dependencies, and images of America as our saviors from World War II, make those demands seem so intimate and necessary? What are the educational issues facing Chamorros? What is the role of community organizations and dance groups within the larger movement? Lastly, what can our hopes be for decolonization, whether as a political process or a displacement of ideology or meaning, when for the majority of Chamorros, such a prospect remains a terrifying (im)possibility?
To this end, the Chamorro Information Activists are inviting all interested in critical discussions around the future of Chamorros and their islands to participate in Famoksaiyan, a Chamorro gathering to take place at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego, April 14 and 15, 2006.
Famoksaiyan translates to either “the place or time of nurturing” or “the time to paddle forward or move ahead.” It is in this spirit that we hope to provide a space where vital conversations can take place, and solutions to the above mentioned issues be strategized.
We welcome those interested in taking part in these discussions to submit individual or panel presentation proposals on any topic which relates critically to Chamorros in the Marianas and the rest of the world. As this is our first attempt at a gathering such as this, we are interested in getting as diverse a group as possible together. We stress that this is not solely an academic conference, rather a community conference including our manamko’, community activists, student leaders, and other interested people. Therefore people who consider themselves outside of academia are welcomed to submit presentations as well.
Your submission should include a one page proposal of either your paper or description of the panel you are organizing, as well as brief biography and your contact info (mailing address, telephone and email). Topics may include (but are not limited to): 1) Culture as Resistance (Chamorro art, literature, dance). 2) Militarization of life/land/desire. 3) Environmental racism (Nuclear fallout, toxic waste dumping). 4) Ensuring Educational Access (Recruitment, retention, reform). 5) Diaspora. 6) Social Movements and Political Activism (Self Determination, land rights, political reform). 7)Chamorros and Cross Racial Coalitions. 8) Mental and Physical Health Issues (Diabetes, Cancer, Ice, Suicide). 9) Language and Cultural Revitalization. 10) Decolonization and the Indigenous Critique.
The deadline for submissions is January 17, 2006. We will continue to accept presentations submitted after this date, but those received before it will be given priority. Please email your submissions and any questions to Michael Lujan Bevacqua at mlbasquiat@hotmail.com.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase! Biba Chamoru! Na’la’la’ Mo’na I Taotao I Islas Marianas!
Below is the call for papers. The focus for that year's conference was alot more academic than the one in 2007 and that one for this year. Despite, this focus which could be considered limiting, we still had a fantastic turnout, and the energy from those presenting and those attending was incredible, and helped make possible all that has happened since.
*****************************
Call for Papers
FAMOKSAIYAN: Chamorro History, Identity and Decolonization
April 14-15, 2006
Ginnen i Manaina-ta. Ginnen i Manguelo-ta. Hita I taotao Guahan yan Luta yan Saipan yan Tinian. Hita i taotao tano yan i tasi. Mungga maleffa I Manma’pos yan Fanmanhasso todu tiempo put I Manmamaila.
Ginnen Manu Hit? Hayi hit pa’go? Para Manu Hit? These are questions of our past, present and future which we can never ever let go. As simple as these questions may appear, finding indigenous answers to them is harder than one would think. While questions of cultural preservation (What to keep?) and adaptation (What to change?) are vital to our survival, they must always be asked in relation to less visible and potentially more difficult problems which nonetheless greatly impact our lives. Banal colonialism, familiar and frighteningly familial militarism and enthusiastic patriotism are just a few of the dire issues Chamorros around the world are confronted with today. An invisible minority in the United States, their island of Guam one of the world’s last “official” colonies and recently christened the tip of America’s military spear in Asia, with the arrival of 7,000 new Marines, the future of Chamorros and their islands seems inevitably entangled with that of the United States and its strategic interests.seems inevitably entangled with that of the United States and its strategic interests.
Is this the fate of Chamorros and the Marianas, to be forever linked to the United States in this way? And do little other than follow and attempt to live up to as well as within its mandates, its examples and its dreams? Is the only hope for Chamorros, to follow the advice of the Bush Administration and let go of their cultures that hold them back and at last seize the American dream?
Commonsense in Marianas, but in particular Guam dictates that the answers to all problems lie in imagining, desiring and moving East towards the United States and changing Guam based on what America “represents.” The government can be fixed by calling in “The Feds.” Utilities can be fixed by privatizing them. Health care, politics and education can be fixed by whitening its professionals, replacing locals with non-locals. All of these solutions trap Chamorros in a vicious cycle of paternalistic dependency which prevents any and all fundamental change from taking place, thus protecting the American character of certain institutions (such as government, education, economics) and forcing any discussions of how to improve our lives to fixate and obsession with local or Chamorro elements (such as Chamorro politicians). But as obvious imperialist impulses in Iraq and Afghanistan and the systemic racism and corruption around Hurricane Katrina indicate, our benevolent father figure Uncle Sam is far from benevolent and far from the best answer to our problems.
How can Chamorros chart a future for themselves which doesn’t automatically assume that “what is good for America must be good for Guam?” What role does the possible re-unification of the Marianas islands play in making a different future possible? How does the realities of Chamorro diaspora, where more Chamorros are in the United States than in the Marianas force us to develop different strategies to include and connect to those thousands of miles away? How can Chamorros resist or critique the incessant and overwhelming demands of the United States military, when our lives, whether through relatives in Iraq, frequent editorials on our unavoidable military dependencies, and images of America as our saviors from World War II, make those demands seem so intimate and necessary? What are the educational issues facing Chamorros? What is the role of community organizations and dance groups within the larger movement? Lastly, what can our hopes be for decolonization, whether as a political process or a displacement of ideology or meaning, when for the majority of Chamorros, such a prospect remains a terrifying (im)possibility?
To this end, the Chamorro Information Activists are inviting all interested in critical discussions around the future of Chamorros and their islands to participate in Famoksaiyan, a Chamorro gathering to take place at the Sons and Daughters of Guam Club in San Diego, April 14 and 15, 2006.
Famoksaiyan translates to either “the place or time of nurturing” or “the time to paddle forward or move ahead.” It is in this spirit that we hope to provide a space where vital conversations can take place, and solutions to the above mentioned issues be strategized.
We welcome those interested in taking part in these discussions to submit individual or panel presentation proposals on any topic which relates critically to Chamorros in the Marianas and the rest of the world. As this is our first attempt at a gathering such as this, we are interested in getting as diverse a group as possible together. We stress that this is not solely an academic conference, rather a community conference including our manamko’, community activists, student leaders, and other interested people. Therefore people who consider themselves outside of academia are welcomed to submit presentations as well.
Your submission should include a one page proposal of either your paper or description of the panel you are organizing, as well as brief biography and your contact info (mailing address, telephone and email). Topics may include (but are not limited to): 1) Culture as Resistance (Chamorro art, literature, dance). 2) Militarization of life/land/desire. 3) Environmental racism (Nuclear fallout, toxic waste dumping). 4) Ensuring Educational Access (Recruitment, retention, reform). 5) Diaspora. 6) Social Movements and Political Activism (Self Determination, land rights, political reform). 7)Chamorros and Cross Racial Coalitions. 8) Mental and Physical Health Issues (Diabetes, Cancer, Ice, Suicide). 9) Language and Cultural Revitalization. 10) Decolonization and the Indigenous Critique.
The deadline for submissions is January 17, 2006. We will continue to accept presentations submitted after this date, but those received before it will be given priority. Please email your submissions and any questions to Michael Lujan Bevacqua at mlbasquiat@hotmail.com.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase! Biba Chamoru! Na’la’la’ Mo’na I Taotao I Islas Marianas!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
2008 Fiscal Sponsor - CHELU Inc.
The Fiscal Sponsor for the 2008 Famoksaiyan Gathering is:
CHELU (Chamorro Hands in Education Links United) Inc.
CHELU (Chamorro Hands in Education Links United) Inc.CHE'LU, Inc., (formerly the San Diego Chamorro Cultural Center-SDCCC), is a multi-service 501 (c)(3) public charitable nonprofit organization for the Chamorro people of the Mariana Islands.
..Our team's innate islander passion, our commitment and professional experience provides solutions by developing and implementing educational participation by way of projects and programs in preserving our language and culture, wellness in health, and to improve the overall general well-being of our people.
... The purpose in accomplishing our organization's mission and goals is to further strengthen the Chamorro family structure by emphasizing their potential, by growing their knowledge, which will empower them to be a self-sufficient community.
More information on them and their projects can be found by heading to their website:
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