TITLE: Give Guamanians Self-Determination

Student(s): Noel Bien T. Carlos Alfonso Antonio R. Garcia Division: High School Category: Website

Process Paper

Thesis Statement: Guam has been influenced, conquered, and governed by so multiple

foreign people and nations, but there are points in history where Guamanians have gone tired of

foreign rule and strived for their own true sense freedom from their colonizers. Self-

determination has always been a controversial topic to Guamanians. Until today, the people of

Guam strive to achieving a sense of independence and self-governance.

1. How did you choose your topic?

As Guam studies students, we were able to realize that Guam is a melting pot of cultures

Asian and European cultures due to the many foreigners who came to colonize the people. But

then we started to ask ourselves about how the Chamorro people asserted their native cultural

aspects despite all these cultural influences. Self-indigenous rights came up into our minds, but

we decided to talk about something more political that Chamorros began with which was self-

determination.

2. How did you conduct your research?

We began our research by looking up the background of self-determination on Guam

prior to the Organic Acts on the Internet. By looking online, we were able to look for struggles

the Chamorros faced to achieve American citizenship while maintaining some form of self-

government. Reading through the actual Organic Act documents helped us understand a better

viewpoint of the indigenous rights standpoint. The Guam Library also provided newspaper

clippings that related to the passing of self-determination rights and actions.

3. How did you select your presentation category?

In sophomore year, we participated in the website category of NHD, but seemed to fail.

From then on, we made a promise to improve and do better next time; learning from our

mistakes from the past. We also believe in the significance of technology in today’s age, and

how it seems to have a greater pull on getting information across.

What steps have you taken thus far to construct your project?

We were able to make a weebly account, and create a website template. On the template,

we have historical newspaper photographs, a video, and some quotes. The website also has a

general theme, font, and layout.

4. How does your topic relate to this year’s NHD theme?

Our NHD topic details the self-determination concept that Chamorros and Guamanians

have tried to achieve over the years. To many Guamanians, self-determination is the right to be

able to govern themselves without another nation controlling them them. Even during the

Spanish colonial times, the people of Guam have struggled to gain their own rights and

responsibilities. From the 1950’s and so on, Guamanian politicians have been able to make

accomplishments and stepping stones leading the island close to being able to rule itself.

Primary Sources MLA Citation:

Guam. Government of Guam. Text of the Guam organic act of August 1, 1950 (64 Stat. 384) as amended by the Acts of August 27, 1954 (68 Stat. 882) and August 1, 1956 (70 Stat. 908, 911) and Text of the Virgin Islands organic act of July 22, 1954 (68 Stat. 497) as amended by the Act of August 30, 1957 (71 Stat. 510). Washington: U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1958. 04 Dec. 2013.

Abstract: This is the actual text of the Guam organic act as of August 1, 1950. We read this to understand what exactly the Organic Act was about and what effect it had on Guam.

MLA Citation:

"The Power of a Dual Rights Legal Strategy for the Chamoru People of Guam." Issuu. 05 Dec. 2013 <http://issuu.com/guampedia/docs/other_arms?e=1294219/4110061>.

Abstract:

This gave us more factual support concerning self-determination through accounts from multiple people. It discusses the argument they had to obtain legal rights.

MLA Citation:

Guam. Guam Courts. The Organic Act of Guam. 30 Oct. 2004. 01 Dec. 2013 <http://www.guamcourts.org/compileroflaws/GCA/OrganicAct/Organic%20Act.PDF>.

Abstract: This gave us information about the Organic Act and other federal laws that provided Guam’s government structure. It also includes other rules that impact Guam’s political government.

MLA Citation: Guam. University of Guam. The Organic Act of Guam (1960). 1 Dec. 2013 <http://guampedia.com/the-organic-act-of-guam/>.

Abstract: This gave us information about the organic ac

MLA Citation: "The Organic Act of Guam, July 23, 1947." Issuu. University of Guam. 03 Dec. 2013 <http://issuu.com/guampedia/docs/01-organic-act-july-23--1947/3?e=0>.

Abstract: This provided us with information about the process of passing the bill (organic act). It says what the bill originally said and talks about other rules and regulations that provide both rights and responsibilities to Chamorros.

Secondary Sources

MLA Citation:

Clement, Michael R. "Elective Governor Act 1968." Guampedia. Guampedia, 2009. Web.

23 Jan. 2014. <http://guampedia.com/the-elective-governor-act-1968/>.

Abstract: Served as an example of the progresses on self-determination

MLA Citation:

Pangelinan, Ben. "Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources." Indigenous Peoples Issues

and Resources. N.p., 18 Jan. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.

<http://indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php/index.php?

option=com_content&view=article&id=3592:chamorro-self-

determination&catid=58:oceania-indigenous-peoples&Itemid=80>.

Abstract: Provided history on why self-determination is important to Charmorros and

Gumanians

MLA Citation:

Pulazan, Bernard. "Guam Congressional Representation Act 1972." Guampedia. Guampedia,

2009. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. <http://guampedia.com/guam-congressional-

representation/>.

Abstract: Served as another example of self-determination/rights example

MLA Citation:

Quimby, Frank. "Guam Commonwealth Act." Guampedia. Guampedia, 2009. Web. 23 Jan.

2014. <http://guampedia.com/guam-commonwealth-act/>.

Abstract: Serves as the main goal example that many Chamorros hope to achieve in the

future. It will be the apex of self-determination on Guam

MLA Citation:

Tolentino, Dominica. "Commission on Self-Determination." Guampedia. Guampedia, 2009.

Web. 23 Jan. 2014. <http://guampedia.com/commission-on-self-determination/>.

Abstract: Provides more details on groups that tried to achieve the right of self-determination

MLA Citation:"UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." Guampedia. 1 June 2011. 05 Dec. 2013 <http://guampedia.com/un-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/>.

Abstract: This site gave us information about how the Chamorro people struggled to achieve self-determination. It discusses how the UN works towards standards of treatment of indigenous people and tries to get rid of human right violations like discrimination.

MLA Citation:

Viernes, James. "OPI-R: Organization of People for Indigenous Rights." Guampedia. 12 Sept. 2013. 05 Dec. 2013 <http://guampedia.com/opi-r-organization-of-people-for-indigenous-rights/>.

Abstract: This site gave us background information about Chamorro activism. It talks about their political goal of achieving self-determination.

MLA Citation:

Viernes, James. "Civil Rights and US Citizenship (1898-1950)." Guampedia. 2009. 04 Dec. 2013 <http://guampedia.com/chamorro-drive-for-civil-rights/>.

Abstract:

We learned about Chamorros’ pursuit for self-determination. It begins with Guam’s struggle since 1917 to achieve citizenship and legal rights.

MLA Citation: Benavente, Eddie. "Interpretive Essay: Chamoru Self-Determination."

Guampedia. 2009. 2 Dec. 2013 <http://guampedia.com/interpretive-essay-commission-on-self-

determination-2/>.

Abstract: This website talks about Guam’s colonial beginnings and its desire for self-determination throughout history. It talks about its relationship with other countries during the war and etc. It also talks about how Guam was seen as an important military outpost and how the locals reacted to that.

MLA Citation: "Executive Orders." Executive Orders. Federal Register. 06 Dec. 2013 <http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/10077.html>. Abstract: This gave us information about the immediate effects of the passage of the Organic Act of 1950. For example, it talks about the switch of power from the naval administration to the Secretary of the Interior.