I Kinalamten Para I
Direchon I Taotao Tåno’
The Quest for Self-Determination
The Quest for CHamoru Self-Determination which began in the 16th century when Guåhan became part of the Spanish colonial empire has surged, subsided and resurged over the centuries. Fearless community leaders have organized around pivotal events which have shaped the political destiny of Guåhan’s Taotao Tåno’ in their search of a status beyond colony.
The land lust and greed of imperial nations seeking world domination and economic control of natural resources, which began over 500 years ago, led to empire-building. Such hunger for power has fueled world wars and conflicts around the globe. The United Nations, established by binding covenants on the heels of WWII committed to end colonization by the turn of the 20th century. The U.S., having become the world’s most powerful nation, was a signatory to that commitment, which they have ignored in relationship to Guam and their other colonies. So, our David and Goliath struggle for self-determination continues in the face of powerful Asian-Pacific adversaries threatening American interests.
In the ’70s the quest for independence throughout the Pacific heightened as geopolitical rearrangements were being negotiated between colonial powers and their colonies. Many nation-states were able to exercise their rights of sovereignty. Tragically, American colonies have been conspicuously left out.
A generation of postwar CHamorus became aware of a new world consiousness about indigeneity, decolonization, nation-building and the inalienable right to self-determination. Chamoru leaders, old and young, were fueled by the hope, possibilities and fervor of such movements across the globe. The Civil Rights Movement Black and Brown power activism, the Independent and Nuclear-Free Pacific Movement, agrowing environmental consciousness, and the Women’s Movement inspired discourse, protests and political action.
Elected politicians led the battle for a just resolution while grass-roots activists gave voice to this emerging consciousness. They spoke, wrote and taught about peoplehood, ancestral land rights, environmental and climate concerns, sovereignty, indigenous identity and the importance of our language.
Politicians and community chapions have propelled the movement forward along treacherous paths and through legal challenges. Many community-based groups have emerged in every generation to carry the torch and light the path. Their contributions deserve documentation.
This exhibit is only a snapshot meant to inspire the next generation to become informed and build on the legacy and authentic CHamoru self-determination.
This exhibit is designed to serve as a link to the movers and shakers, pivotal events, legal actions, and key primary sources which have propelled the journey of the CHamoru people in their Quest for Self-Determination. We realize that this exhibit represents a bird’s-eye view. Much will need to be added in the future to fill in the missing pieces in our story. While our intention is to honor every key player in our quest, some significant people and events will be left out. We welcome information and photographs to preserve the full story we have begun here. This exhibit has been produced with the assistance of a working group including representatives from the Commision on Decolonization and the Guam Museum. Exhibit panels are sponsored by Senator Joseph and Mrs. Joanne San Agustin.
