‘Native American designation would bring recognition’

Posted on Oct 08 2008

The head of the Indigenous Affairs Office says he supports the effort by some Guam senators to designate Chamorros as Native Americans.

“It would give us more recognition and public awareness,” said resident executive Gonzalo Q. Santos.

Guam senators Judith Guthertz, Benjamin Cruz and Rory Respicio have introduced a resolution urging Guam delegate Madeleine Bordallo to ask Congress to designate the Chamorro people of Guam as the Native American tribe “I’Chamorro Na Taotaogui.” Along with the designation, Chamorros on Guam would receive full constitutional citizenship, including presidential voting rights.

If the CNMI were to look into a similar resolution, Carolinians should also be included, Santos said.

The designation could allow the two indigenous groups to benefit from federal funding earmarked for Native American tribes.

Right now there are minimal programs, Santos said, but “lots and lots” of programs could be tapped with the designation.

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