Reclaiming identity in articulating what it means to be Chamorro: A phenomenological study of the indigenous people of Guam [microform]
- Bib ID:
- 5975204
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Diego, Elizabeth A. Paulino
- Online Version:
- http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3438549
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- Description:
- 298 p.
- ISBN:
- 9781124421681
- Summary:
-
This study investigated Chamorro advocates from the Pacific island of Guam in the reclamation of indigenous identity as articulated through their lived experiences of what it means to be Chamorro. In light of the worldwide movement of indigenous peoples, the continuing political status of the island as a possession of the United States, and Guam's designation by the United Nations as a non-self governing territory, this study explored how Chamorro identity is being asserted despite on-going colonial domination. This research utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and involved in depth, semi-structured interviews with seven Chamorro leaders, well-known indigenous members of the Guam community whose advocacy in the perpetuation and preservation of Chamorro cultures is distinguished. Interviews ranged from two to four hours. The participants' stories revealed several major findings.
Although Chamorro identity is in a state of struggle, it remains distinctive as evident in the enduring continuance and manifestation of core cultural values, practices, traditions, and indigenous language despite a long colonial history. The participants identified Guam's status quo as a non-self governing territory as a formidable force that threatens Chamorro identity. The study also revealed the pernicious effect of on-going colonialism on the minds of the Chamorros. The study underscored three major themes: the role of education in the rediscovery and recovery of the Chamorro self; the resistant, resilient, and adaptive nature of Chamorro identity; and participant advocacy and greater awareness as an expression of self-determination. This research brings particular focus to Pacific island groups and more specifically, underscores advocacy efforts to promote and perpetuate Chamorro identity.
Overall, the study contributes to the literature in the areas of indigenous studies and leadership and provides significant implications for education, psychology, and anthropology.
- Notes:
-
- (UMI)AAI3438549
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-02, Section: A, page: 0531.
- Adviser: Sandra M. Wilson.
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Gonzaga University, 2010.
- Reproduction:
- Microfiche. Ann Arbor, Mich. : University Microfilms International.
- Subject:
- Other authors/contributors:
- Gonzaga University
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 2010
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