Guampedia Newsletter, Septemper 2019 | Page 2
CHamoru Quest
for Self-Determination
New entry: Challenge to CHamoru Self-determination: Davis v. Guam
Gaige Ha Yu Guini - I am Still Here by kie susuico
Guampedia has added a timely entry to our extensive section (55 items) on CHamoru Self-Determination, this one describing the Davis v Guam case. This is a key court case which addresses the question of who is able to participate in the process to determine Guam’s future political status. The case was challenged first on Guam and then in the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The CHamoru people, throughout Guam’s 350 year colonial occupation, have never been able to exercise self-
WIGH Reprinted A second printing of Famalao’an Guåhan: Women in Guam History will be availble soon. Purchase the last of the first edition here.
This Month in History
37 years ago - A plebiscite was held September 4, 1982 where the voters overwhelmingly chose Commonwealth as the preferred future political status for Guam. This was a runoff election between commonwealth and statehood. Commonwealth garnered 73 percent of the vote and statehood 27 percent. The other status option, Independence, was previously eliminated as it received less than 10 percent of the vote.
Fanhita Conference Watch the live broadcast of the Fanhita Conference September 12 and 13. It will be broadcast on KGTF, Channel 12. This conference brings together a wide array of decolonization experts from the Pacfic and Caribbean. Presentations will feature experiences, insights, and
determination and chose their political destiny. CHamorus have a long tradition of working for their self-determination through various legal and political means. These efforts are ongoing. Arnold Davies, a non-CHamoru resident of Guam, filed a suit against the Government of Guam in 2011, claiming that his inability to register on the Guam Decolonization Registry (only open to “native inhabitants”) violated his Constitutional rights. Read about the case here: Challenge to CHamoru Self-Determination.
critical analysis of other non-self governing territories in hopes of increasing local awareness about Decolonization in Guam. We invite the community to listen and learn about this important issue that will impact every aspect of life on our island.
Follow us on social media
Stay connected to history and get updates on our projects! @guampedia organization
@guampedia
