Håfa Adei!
Last year I initiated a pilot program to collect, present, and preserve the stories of diasporic Chamorro people and their families residing outside of the Mariana Islands. These stories were presented at the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts. I am once again excited that this program will continue; therefore, reaching out to invite each and every one who may be interested in submitting biographical summaries of people and families of Chamorro descent.
I have recently been invited to present at an upcoming workshop on Chamorro genealogies, family histories, stories of Chamorro travel and living away from the Marianas, at the University of Minnesota sometime this September 2017 (more information to follow as we narrow down the details).
Some suggestions on the type of information contained within their biographical stories that people have included:
- Person’s name and family name (clan name if known too)
- Village or origin and island the person/family originates
- Accomplishments while at home
- When did the person/family emigrated
- The reason(s) why they left
- Some of the things they accomplishments while away from home
- The number of generations/descendants since the person/family’s arrival
- Name, phone number and email of person submitting the biographical information
- Photos
The list above is not all inclusive of what may be included. Again, part of the intent is to convey and record stories of the Chamorro diaspora for future generations to come and we would like for you to tell the story in your own words. If you need help, we will be more than happy to assist you in writing the story.
Eventually, one of my goals is to publish these stories in a book, so please be aware of this prior to submitting any information. I also envision submitting and filing copies of this presentation with the Micronesian Area Research Center, Guam Department of Chamorro Affairs, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Humanities Council, and the Chamorro Roots Genealogy Project.
Please submit all biographical summaries and photos via email to: chamorroroots at gmail.com from now through July 31, 2017.
