The urgency to revitalize and reclaim the CHamoru language has never been more critical. As we face the loss of a significant number of our most fluent native speakers within the next decade, the risk of language extinction looms heavily over our people. Yet, despite the severity of this crisis, there remains hope. Ti Atrasåsao, it’s not too late. With a united front across political, ideological, and institutional lines, we can collectively mobilize the resources necessary to strengthen and expand current efforts, while laying the foundation for a lasting, institutionalized framework for CHamoru Medium Education.

In response to this need, the CHamoru Language Educators Consortium was formally convened through Legislative Resolution No. 69-37 (COR), introduced by Speaker Therese M. Terlaje and co-sponsored by Senator Chris Barnett during the 37th Guam Legislature. The resolution called for a collaborative effort among key stakeholders to explore how government agencies and private institutions might support the full development of CHamoru language education and instruction in Guam. The Consortium was tasked with researching, discussing, and recommending a sustainable platform to address the ongoing decline of CHamoru language fluency.

Since its establishment in the fall of 2022, the Consortium has met monthly, culminating in a two-day planning retreat held on October 17 and 18, 2023. During this retreat, members collectively articulated the vision, mission, and philosophical foundations of a coordinated, long-term strategy for CHamoru Medium Education across the island.

The Consortium is composed of dedicated educators, cultural practitioners, and institutional leaders committed to the perpetuation of the CHamoru language and cultural identity. The participating members include:

• Guam Community College – Prugråman Nina’fitme Fina’nå’guen Fino’ CHamoru
  Simone Bollinger
• Guam Department of Education (CHamoru Studies Division) – Faneyåkan Sinipok
  Jimmy S. Teria
• Kumisión i Fino’ CHamoru yan i Fina’nȧ’guen i Historia yan i Lina’la’ i Taotao Tȧno’
  Dr. Laura M. Torres Souder
• Maga’låhen Hurao CHamoru Academy
  Anna Marie B. Arceo and Ma’ina Diego
• University of Guam – CHamoru Studies Program
  Dr. Kisha Borja-Quichocho-Calvo

Members proposed the establishment of a Public Foundation‭, ‬Inetnon i Fina’nå’guen yan Ineyak i Fino’ CHamoru, as the most viable organizational structure to institutionalize CHamoru Medium Education‭. ‬This proposal was submitted to‭ ‬Speaker Terlaje of the 37th‭ ‬Guam Legislature for consideration and legislation‭.‬ No legislative action has been taken to date.