In the face of progress and economic modernization, the children of Guam lye in blank beds of curiosity yearning for nostalgia and searching for a past literally lost within the confounds of fashionable trends and mainstream society, never knowing the true identity of their heritage and valor of those before them. Unfortunately, families of Guam have long but lived in the belief that speaking the native tongue would inevitably result in a child’s failure in education and future endeavors.
This could not be further from the truth. It is our abilities to teach and equip our children with principles of positive self esteem and relinquish self daught that will instill a proactive mind set and ability to overcome challenging situations. With this, they are able to practice the basic principles of the past and integrate them into their present lives and embrace the teachings of a people of uniqueness and pride with a culture that encompasses good family values and respect for people…all people.
I encourage young and old individuals who seek to know and identify with their cultural heritage, to continue on and be diligent in the endless search for spirituality. For our people of the Marianas Islands most especially my mother Guam, we must never cease in our search for who we are as a people, but rather live the pride passed down from our ancestors for a culture rich in spirit and uniqueness. I for one have encountered the yearning and till this day continue to try and satisfy the hunger for more.
Our island is rich in history passed down through parables and song. Unfortunately the enslavement of our people during the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations have somewhat slanted these rights of heritage through the years, however I know that our people had gave birth to a spirit of courage, effort, spirit, and conviction to allow us to know who we are and where we came from. Our brother’s to the north have not experienced it any easier. They to struggle with overcoming western society’s accepted notions however continue to embrace their cultural heritage.
With this we hold hands in our search for innate identity and continue down the path of encouragement for those wanting to do the same. “Na’I Animu.” Respectfully.
Jeffrey Garrido is an advocate for the Chamorro Culture and Managing Partner for Martec Ventures in Guam. Born and raised in native Guam he is married to Erika and they have five wonderful children.
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