Bills Restoring CHamoru Names of Villages Now Law
Senator Taitague issues the following statement after several bills she authored to restore CHamoru village names were signed into law. The new laws officially recognize Hågat, Sånta Rita-Sumai, Humåtak, Malesso′, and Talo′fo′fo′.
“Restoring the CHamoru names of these villages means more than a change on paper, it reflects a desire by our community to connect with our history and culture through the CHamoru language. While some of us are able to speak in our native tongue, there are a few including myself who are making every effort to learn and speak our language – even when others want to humiliate us for trying. Through these bills, it is my hope that critics will be more respectful and supportive of those among us who want to preserve, perpetuate, and celebrate our CHamoru identity. To our children and grandchildren, please don’t ever let the naysayers intimidate or make you feel that your efforts to learn our CHamoru language are meaningless.”
For additional information regarding this press release, please contact Senator Taitague’s office at 989-8356 or send an e-mail to senatortelot@gmail.com.
“Restoring the CHamoru names of these villages means more than a change on paper, it reflects a desire by our community to connect with our history and culture through the CHamoru language. While some of us are able to speak in our native tongue, there are a few including myself who are making every effort to learn and speak our language – even when others want to humiliate us for trying. Through these bills, it is my hope that critics will be more respectful and supportive of those among us who want to preserve, perpetuate, and celebrate our CHamoru identity. To our children and grandchildren, please don’t ever let the naysayers intimidate or make you feel that your efforts to learn our CHamoru language are meaningless.”
For additional information regarding this press release, please contact Senator Taitague’s office at 989-8356 or send an e-mail to senatortelot@gmail.com.