Guåhan’s first CHamoru Immersion School.
Restoring CHamoru self-identity through language revitalization programs, one family at a time.
Our language is what defines us.
Chief Hurao, Inc. (dba Chief Hurao Academy) is a non-profit organization that was created in an effort to address the need for a stable CHamoru language program on Guam.
The expression of CHamoru culture and who we are as a people is deeply rooted in I fino’-ta (our language). It is the lifeblood of i taotao-ta (our people).
At Chief Hurao Academy, we are committed to revitalizing our language and giving the gift of our mother tongue back to the children of Guåhan.
I Hinago’
-
Mission
Para ta prutehi yan na'fåmta' i lengguåhi yan i kotturan CHamoru para i inenran i fina'pos, para på'go yan i manmamaila' na hinirasion; entre idukasion sinipok gi kumunidåt yan otro siha na prugråma ni' chumilong yan este na hinago'.
To promote and perpetuate the CHamoru language and culture through community immersion education and other programs in support of this mission, in honor of our past generations and for the benefit of our future generations.
I Tinanga -
Vision
Hita ni’ inetnon Maga’låhi as Hurao, Inc., para u ge’hilo’i i kinalamten i nina’lå’la’ CHamoru kosaki i hinirasion på’go yan i manmamaila’, u ma såtba, u ma toktok, u ma tungo’, u ma praktika yan u ma sostieni i lengguåhi, i hinengge yan i tradision i mañaina-ta.
Our non-profit, Chief Hurao Inc., will lead CHamoru revitalization efforts so that current and future generations will preserve, embrace, know, practice and sustain our ancestral language, values and traditions.
“Mungnga hit numana’falingu ånimu put ini na achåki… Manmetgot-ña hit ki ta hongge!”
“Let us not lose courage in the presence of our misfortunes... We are stronger than we think!”
— Maga’låhen Hurao
I Hinengge-ta - Our Values
In addition to creating fluent speakers, Chief Hurao Academy’s immersion curriculum aims to nurture a holistic CHamoru identity and a strong sense of self within our students by integrating CHamoru values and heritage at the heart of our teaching. Our educators and parents have observed improved behavior, greater confidence, and greater respect among our students.
AGUAIYA
to love; the ultimate resolution that conquers all; to be able to love one another as we love ourselves; to forgive at all costs for ultimate peace within relationships.
AGOFLI’E’
to see others without judgement; to see the good beyond what may seem uncommon or unusual in others.
A’UMITDE
to be humble; to put others first; to make self-sacrifices; to be selfless; to be able to admit ones fault; to be the first to ask for forgiveness.
AFA’MAOLEK
to make things good; to have a sense of reciprocity; to agree to disagree; to forgive.
ARESPETA
to have respect; to value and honor our elders and one another; to value our words and our actions; have a respect for authority.
AMAMÅHLAO
to have shame; to know/have moral and ethical boundaries within family; social and community relationships.
AGEFTAO
to be giving; to provide for someone who has a greater need; to sacrifice ones needs for another.
A’AGRADESI
to have appreciation for one another; to be courteous when being offered something; to give and be thoughtful in appreciation of one’s doing.
A’ADAHI
to have care for one another and our surroundings; to watch over; to help one another; to have respect for our surroundings.
Why Chief Hurao Academy?
Manmåmatai påpa’ i mañaina-ta yan kontodu i tiningo’-ñiha.
With the average fluent CHamoru speaker being around 50 years and older and the life expectancy of our indigenous people between the ages of 65 - 70 years, we do not have much time. The time is now to bridge this gap and give our future generation something to hold on to.
Ayuda Ham
Chief Hurao Academy appreciates the generous support of the community, both locally and abroad. We pledge to continue our outreach efforts and push our programs above and beyond in honor of our mission and vision.