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Charfauros to get honorary Master of Micronesian Traditional Knowledge
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Posted on May 24 2012
MANGILAO, Guam-During the University of Guam spring 2012 commencement ceremonies, Jesus “Chamorro” Charfauros will receive an honorary Master of Micronesian Traditional Knowledge in honor of his lifetime of work promoting the Chamorro language and culture. This is only the second time the university has conferred this award.
Dr. Michael Clement, UOG Professor of History whose dissertation focused on Chamorro music said, “In the mid-1960s, when Chamorro parents and teachers were encouraging their children to speak English and put little emphasis on Chamorro, Jesus Charfauros wrote the song Munga Yo’ Mafino Englesi. The song warned that if Chamorros did not take pride in their language, values, and traditions, the cultural cohesion that had been the strength of the Chamorro people for generations would be lost. This song launched the Chamorro cultural renaissance.”
Charfauros has contributed over 50 years of his life promoting the Chamorro culture through music and hosting cultural, informative programs in the Chamorro language. Known as “Jesus Chamorro,” Charfauros has written many songs that has presented the Chamorro language as central to cultural identity and has established Chamorro language music as a format for social activism centered on perpetuating the language and the kustumbren Chamorro traditions. Through his artistic contributions, he has captured the traditional and cultural expressions and spirit of the Chamorro people.
“Jesus Charfauros has been the greatest single contributor to the strength and vitality of the Chamorro language revival for over five decades,” said University of Guam president Robert A. Underwood. “His depth of knowledge and creative use of the Chamorro language has inspired dozens of Chamorro singers and artists. He richly deserves this recognition.”
The University conferred the first Master of Micronesian Traditional Knowledge to master navigator Manny Ikea Sikau during the 2010 spring commencement ceremonies. The award is limited to a maximum of one per academic year.
The spring 2012 commencement ceremonies will be held at 2pm in the UOG Field House. (UOG)
