independent guåhan
Håyi Ham
Learn more about our mission and meet the team behind Independent Guåhan
Independent GUåhan
OUR MISSION
Independent Guåhan empowers the Chamoru people to reclaim our sovereignty as a nation. Inspired by the strength of our ancestors and with love for future generations, we educate and unify all who call our island home to build a sustainable and prosperous independent future.
I hinangai-ña Independent Guåhan para bai in na’fanmatatnga i Manchamoru para ta chule’ tåtte i direcho-ta komu un nåsion gi hilo’ tåno’. Ginen i minetgot-ñiha i mañaina-ta yan i guinaiya-ta nu i famagu’on-ta mo’na, in na’kekefanmanungo’ yan in na’kekefanetnon todu i taotao siha ni mañåsaga gi ini na tåno’ para ta na’latfe’na iya Guåhan ni todu i nina’siñå-ta kosaki siña ta fanlå’la’ maolek mo’na.
Independent Guåhan is committed to informing the public about the benefits and freedoms that Guam would receive as a sovereign nation and also countering the myths and misperceptions about what this status change would mean for Guam. We wish to demonstrate that independence does not mean traveling back in time or cutting ourselves off from the world. In fact, becoming a sovereign nation means we can live in the way we want to live today and into the future because we will hold authority over our lives as opposed to being governed by people who live thousands of miles away. Most importantly, all decisions made for us would be chosen by our people.
At its core, Independence is a chance for the people of Guam to truly determine our own destiny. For many centuries, Guam’s political course has been dictated for us—our people, our land, and our resources have been used to benefit other countries leaving us at a greater loss each time. Currently, Guam is stuck with a dependent and underdeveloped relationship with the United States. The colonial status of Guam keeps us trapped – economically, politically, mentally, and spiritually. Independence will allow us to work together as a community to grow into a more sustainable and regionally integrated people, who will no longer be stunted as a colony of the United States.
About our Team
Independent Guåhan is run by a committed group of activists and community organizers advocating for independence as the best future political option for Guam. Meet our dedicated committee leads below!
NA’LISTO – organizational development
Kerri Ann borja
Kerri Ann “Ifit” Na’puti Borja is an educator, community organizer, photographer, and creator of body ornamentation, presented examples from their own artworks while reflecting on responses and thoughts about democracy and CHamoru self-determination that have inspired them as artists and are inspired by art.
tekken – finance
Jonathan Guerrero
Jonathan is a peskadot on Guam and a doctorate student in Alaska.
jesse chargualaf
Jesse Chargualaf is from the Familian Gualåfon and has deep Bear Rock Roots in Inalåhan.
tiningo’ – educational development and research
victoria-lola Leon Guerrero
Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero is the managing editor for UOG Press. As a creative writer she focuses on telling the stories of the CHamoru people, and as a community activist she is dedicated to empowering her people to push for decolonization as a future political status, and a mindset in our daily lives.
Francine Naputi
Francine S.N. Naputi is a CHamoru Language and Culture Specialist for the Kumision i Fino’ CHamoru.
kinalamten kannai – art and outreach
kie susuico
Kie Suisuico is an indigenous graphic artist.
monaeka flores
Monaeka Flores is a queer CHamoru activist, artist and daughter of Guåhan. She is a member of several community organizations that focus on CHamoru self-determination, environmental justice and the protection of sacred sites.
fanoghe yan fanachu – media and solidarity
michael lujan bevacqua
Michael Lujan Bevacqua (familian Kabesa/Bittot) is an artist, activist and writer, who currently works at the Guam Museum as its curator. With his brother Jack, they run a creative collective called “The Guam Bus”
Annie Fay Camacho
Annie Fay Camacho is a lover of language, a mender of minds, and an empanada enthusiast. In her spare time, she works and studies in the field of psychology and culture-based community organizations.
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