This House resolution supports designating March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month. The text says CHamoru are the indigenous people of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It notes they arrived thousands of years ago, developed an advanced seafaring culture, and call themselves i Taotao Tano' yan i Taotao Tasi (people of the land and sea). The resolution describes inafa' maolek as a cultural foundation, recounts CHamoru roles in trans-Pacific crossings, remembers Imperial Japanese occupation during World War II, and notes CHamoru contributions to the Battles of Guam, Saipan, and Tinian and Guam’s liberation in July 1944. The text also says more than 200,000 people on Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. mainland claim CHamoru ancestry and that CHamoru serve in the armed services at a higher rate than the national average. The final line says the House acknowledges CHamoru contributions and encourages people to observe National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month.
If the House adopts this resolution, it is an official statement that recognizes CHamoru history and culture and asks people to observe National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month in March. The resolution is a formal acknowledgement and encouragement; the text does not specify any new programs, legal changes, or funding.
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Supporters say the resolution recognizes the long history, culture, and resilience of the CHamoru people. The text highlights CHamoru seafaring heritage, cultural values like inafa' maolek, wartime experiences and contributions, the size of the CHamoru population, and high rates of military service. Backers would view a designated month as a way to honor and raise awareness of CHamoru heritage and achievements.
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