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Chamorro conference gets underway
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Posted on Sep 26 2008
More than 300 people attended the first day of the 3rd annual Chamorro Conference held at the Saipan World Resort yesterday.
A traditional Chamorro shell horn opened the ceremony. The mayors of the CNMI islands attended the conference, as well as former Guam House of Representatives member Robert Underwood, and Johnny Sablan, representing Guam Gov. Felix Camacho.
Howard Macaranas, one of the organizers of the event, said there was discussion of possible legislation that could help protect the language. Macaranas said he would like to see a law requiring every government agency to employ at least one person fluent in Chamorro.
The Public School System’s bilingual education program was also a discussion topic. Macaranas said he would like to see the Public School System expand the program to include textbooks in Chamorro.
PSS Education Commissioner said students from kindergarten through 8th grade are required to attend a Chamorro or Carolinian class.
“I believe language and cultural heritage really sustains a community,” she said. “When language and culture is strong, it has an impact on the social and economic situation.”
It is estimated that more than 60,000 people speak Chamorro.
The conference continues today.
