Pieces

When the Spanish priests first began to colonize Guam in the 17th century, they were appalled by the social power women held in Chamoru society as compared with their own patriarchal society. 

Look closely at election signs when November rolls around. In addition to awkward headshots and strange graphic design, you will find powerful evidence of indigenous collective values that benefit, not just the individual, but the entire family/clan.  

Maila mågi, famagu’on i achaguåfak-hu. Ekongok yu’. Hagas ha’ manggaigi i taotao-ta guini na tåno’. Manaotao tåno’ hit. Ni’ ngai’an na u ma funas i fino’-ta yan i tiningo’-ta yanggen un go’ti ya un na’metgot i talen mañaina-mu.

Maila mågi, famagu’on i achaguåfak-hu. Ekongok yu’. Hagas ha’ manggaigi i taotao-ta guini na tåno’. Manaotao tåno’ hit. Ni’ ngai’an na u ma funas i fino’-ta yan i tiningo’-ta yanggen un go’ti ya un na’metgot i talen mañaina-mu.

No matter what political status our people choose, there will be efforts to care for the community by elected officials operating within the kinds of democratic structures and systems of governance that exist today. The work of winning a political campaign is vast, and behind every successful politician in Guåhan is a lot of money, an extended clan network, or the kind of support that is found in a spouse or life partner.