Opinion by Anthony Wayne Taijeron
On a recent occasion at the Sagan Kottura location on Ypao Point, a significant meeting took place, one that carried deep historical weight and urgent contemporary implications. The gathering brought together a veteran and a doctor, both deeply connected to the struggle of the Chamorro people, to discuss the pressing issues facing the indigenous community, particularly around ancestral lands, and the role of the Nasion CHamoru in navigating these concerns.
The meeting began with a prayer in the native Chamorro language, setting a solemn and respectful tone, as the members present acknowledged the deep-rooted ties to their ancestors and the lands that sustained them. The conversation quickly turned to issues of paramount importance: the recent decisions by the Chamorro Land Trust Commission (CLTC) to lease land to private developers, including a controversial proposal to give property to the race track; the ongoing efforts to secure the return of Ypao Point; and the growing concern about the land inventory and its future use.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Voice
The Nasion CHamoru, an organization founded in 1974, has long been an advocate for the rights of the Chamorro people, particularly when it comes to issues of land, culture, and self-determination. Its formation was a direct response to the encroachment of non-Chamorro interests on ancestral lands and the marginalization of Chamorro voices in decisions impacting the island’s future. Historically, the Nasion has played a pivotal role in defending the cultural heritage and rights of the Chamorro people, especially during key moments like the island’s decolonization discussions and the push for federal recognition of native land rights.
The Nasion CHamoru has not only been a vocal force in local governance but has also been a key participant in discussions with federal entities about the Chamorro people’s rights and the preservation of their cultural identity. Despite this rich history, the recent sentiment shared at the meeting—that the Nasion has been inactive and marginalized—reflects a disconnect that some feel between the organization and the current political landscape.
Disdain for the Comment: “The Nasion CHamoru is Dead”
One of the more charged moments during the meeting was the mention of a comment made by a young island leader who proclaimed, “The Nasion CHamoru is dead.” This statement drew immediate disdain from the group, as it seemed to undermine not only the history of the Nasion but the ongoing struggle for the land and the recognition of Chamorro rights. For many present, the Nasion CHamoru represents not just an organization, but a movement—a continuous thread of resistance and resilience against forces that have historically sought to diminish the culture and land of the Chamorro people.
To suggest that the Nasion is “dead” is not only an oversimplification but an insult to the long legacy of sacrifice, activism, and advocacy that the group has embodied over the decades. While the Nasion CHamoru may have experienced periods of dormancy, its core values and mission are far from extinguished. The fire still burns within the hearts of those who continue to stand for the Chamorro people.
The Exclusion of the Nasion and the Path Forward
The discussion also centered on the exclusion of the Nasion CHamoru from current decision-making processes in the local and federal government. Many felt that the recent actions of the CLTC, in particular, reflected a pattern of self-serving decisions, benefiting only a select few while ignoring the broader needs of the Chamorro people. The sense that decisions around the lands—once meant to be stewarded for the benefit of the indigenous people—are now being made without adequate input from groups like the Nasion is troubling to many.
The group acknowledged that, while the Nasion CHamoru may have been on the sidelines in recent years, the struggle for land rights and cultural preservation is far from over. Two members in particular noted that they had consistently testified before the legislature, raising concerns about how recent decisions appear to undermine the needs of the Chamorro people, particularly in relation to the Chamorro Land Trust Commission (CLTC) and its mission to benefit the native community.
As the conversation evolved, it became clear that many of the discrepancies within past decisions were rooted in a lack of true representation of the Chamorro voice. It was emphasized that the AL/CLTC must find ways to ensure that land development and wealth generation are designed with the well-being of the Chamorro people at the forefront, and not at the expense of their heritage.
Reviving the Nasion CHamoru
Despite the frustrations voiced during the meeting, there was a palpable sense of renewal and resolve. The consensus was clear: the Nasion CHamoru is not dead, but rather, it is a movement that must be revitalized. The ancestors—who fought so hard to preserve the Chamorro culture and lands—would not want their legacy forgotten. Those present recognized the urgent need for the Nasion to be more active and involved in the decision-making processes affecting the future of the Chamorro people.
As part of this revival, there was a call to move beyond the sidelines and reassert the Nasion’s presence in both local and federal discussions. The Nasion CHamoru must not only speak for the Chamorro people but actively shape policies and decisions that directly impact their lands and their future. It is crucial that the group reclaims its role as a guiding force, ensuring that the voices of the Chamorro people are heard and respected in every decision made about the future of their land and culture.
The Nasion CHamoru’s Continuing Role
The Nasion CHamoru’s importance in Chamorro history cannot be overstated. As one of the foremost organizations advocating for the rights and dignity of the Chamorro people, it has been instrumental in raising awareness about the erosion of indigenous lands and culture. Moving forward, it must continue to build on its legacy by fostering unity, engaging with younger generations, and ensuring that the struggle for land, sovereignty, and cultural preservation remains at the forefront of political discussions.
In conclusion, the meeting at Sagan Kottura was a powerful reminder that the Nasion CHamoru is a living force—one that is being revived, re-energized, and reinvigorated to continue its mission. The Chamorro people’s land, culture, and future are not for sale, nor will they be forgotten. The Nasion will continue to fight for the rights of the Chamorro people, ensuring that their ancestors are honored and their voices remain strong in the halls of power. The fire burns, and the Nasion CHamoru is alive, now more than ever.
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Anthony Wayne Taijeron is a veteran.
Sources:
“Nasion CHamoru: A Brief History,” University of Guam Press, 1995.
“Chamorro Land Trust Commission: A Timeline of Policy and Advocacy,” Pacific Daily News, 2023.
“Political Mobilization and the Struggle for Self-Determination: The Nasion CHamoru in the 20th Century,” Journal of Pacific Island Studies, 2001.
