This information on the Chamorro Heritage Series was provided by Katherine Bordallo Aguon, Acting Executive Director, Chamorro Heritage Institute (Planning Group) Research and Publication Office of the Governor. Mandated by law to research, write, and publish the Chamorro Heritage Books. 7 books have been published covering the cultural, historical, political and economic lives of the Chamorros from the ancient period through the colonization era. The series is written in English from the Chamorro perspective for young students, young adults, and adults.
Geared to elementary level readers, Historian Taotao Tano' is about the history of the ancient Chamorro people and how they survived on a small island. It discusses the arrival of the early Spaniards, and its impact on Chamorro culture and society. It is intended to kindle pride in the accomplishments endurance, and the tenacity of the Chamorro People.
Geared for secondary level, this text takes a critical look at the history of colonial efforts and objectives that have hindered Guam's development to full self-government, and how the Chamorros have responded. It is an examination of Guam's political evolution, beginning with the ancient Chamorros through the colonial era; it is a critical analysis of colonial government.
This text is intended for secondary and post secondary levels. It explores the roots and historic development of important issues affecting life on Guam today. These issues are discussed in perspective pieces written be local writers. The text includes an historic overview of Guam's quest for commonwealth.
This text is also geared for secondary and post secondary levels and contains the writings, opinions, ideas, criticisms, and longings of Chamorro thinkers, political leaders, and observers, in political, social, and educational history of Guam. In rediscovering their thoughts, and ideas, we can gain a better understanding not only of basic historical events, but also the history makers themselves. Knowing what was in their hearts and minds is as important as remembering their accomplishments and understanding their failures.
This text is for younger students. It presents and explains various observable aspects of Chamorro culture and how traditional values continue to shape Chamorro identity.
Both volumes feature Chamorros who have excelled despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The text include ancient Chamorro chieftains, pioneers in education, attorneys, the healing arts, academicians, political pioneers, early sports greats, perfoming and visual aritists, early Chamorro-American heroes and war casualties.
There are many others who have already earned a place in Chamorro history, and about whom we have yet to write about. They need to be discovered, researched and documented. We are now in the process of writing Vol. III of I MANFAYI. MANFAYI (ee-man-fajee) means "those who have wisedom." It describes people who used their knowledge to decide their actions. When someone is said to be "fayi", it means he or she did or said something that benefitted others in some way.
We are soliciting recommendations from individuals who know someone who should be included in Vol. III. The categories may include but not limited to education, visual and performing art, medicine, sciences, business, politics, law, media, both print and electronic, military, engineering, writers. etc.
Questionaires are availble at the the Chamorro Heritage Institute Planning Group, Office of the Governor, P.O. 2950, Agana, Guam 96932. Our telephone is 671-477-6447, Fax 671- 477- 2219. Presently, all of the texts cost $25.00 + $2.50 for handling and postage.