Chamoru advocates honored with Rikuetdon Finayen Tinemtom Yan Setbisiu

During a ceremony at the Guam Museum on Tuesday, the Kumision I Fino CHamoru bestowed the lifetime achievement award on some of the island’s torchbearers --- who lit the way for the island's native language preservation and perpetuation. 

Language is living and breathing, a never-ending chain connecting generations of a people, past and present. In a move to honor those who have served as links in that vital chain, the Kumisión I Fino’ Chamoru Yan Fina’nå’guen I Historia Yan Lina’la’ I Taotao Tåno’ holding a ceremony  tuesday— honoring recipients with the Rikuetdon Finayen Tinemtom Yan Setbisiu, or lifetime achievement award, for their contributions to the perpetuation of the CHamoru language and scholarship.

Family and friends accepting the awards on behalf of the honorees. Among the distinguished group, Tan Ana Borja Garcia, known for compiling what is now recognized as the official CHamoru-English Dictionary.

“Tan Ana was an activist of CHamoru indigenous rights, a member of Para Pada, Lina’la Sin Casino, and a member of Leksion CHamoru," said supporters.

The Kumisión also recognizing former senator Pilar Cruz Lujan, who worked to implement CHamoru language classes in the curriculum of public elementary schools. “Pilar Cruz Lujan consistently advocated for the recognition, preservation, and continuity of CHamoru language, culture, and identity," they announced.

Longtime educator and composer of the Inifresi, Dr. Bernadita Camacho Dungca, was also part of the iconic bunch. Dungca is known for initiating and implementing the CHamoru Language Teaching Degree Program, an initiative that many CHamoru teachers attribute their success to today.

“Dr. Dungca was one of the longest serving members of the first Kumision I Fino’ CHamoru, and played a key role in standardizing Guam’s official CHamoru orthography," it was announced.

The work of education hall of fame member Clotilde Gould also remembered—known for championing language visibility and access. Among her achievements is her creation of the comic strip, Juan Malimanga. “The strip normalized the daily practice of CHamoru language in print media, and became a beloved cultural touchstone throughout the Mariana Islands," they said.

Sister Ellen Jean Klein played an instrumental role in the application of federal funding to implement the CHamoru Bilingual/Bicultural Program. 

Her effort in leading the recruitment of young CHamorus who served as teacher interns to implement the program in a classroom setting also getting the spotlight.  “She continues in ongoing volunteer work, helping with communion services and participating in activities with sisters of Notre Dame, who reside at Our Lady of the Angels in Milwaukee, many of whom are CHamoru sisters."

In the meantime, Guam historian, Toni “Malia” Ramirez, was also recognized for her invaluable contributions in bridging scholarly research and personal storytelling. “Senora Malia clearly served as the heartbeat of the CHamoru genealogical and historical preservation; she wasn’t just collecting names, she was anchoring an entire culture to its roots.”

And rounding out the honorees, linguist, Dr. Donald Topping, known for training teacher interns in the CHamoru Language Bilingual/Bicultural Program.  His dictionary and grammar tests remain in active use today, with officias describing, “His work, nevertheless, lay critical and formed the groundwork that continues to support contemporary CHamoru language revitalization.”

The ceremony serving as a powerful reminder that the contributions of our mañaina will never be forgotten.