Preserving Guam's Culture: The Role of Inifresi and Family in Upholding Our Traditions
- Mariana Otte
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Preserving Guam’s culture is about looking back on the past and living our traditions every day through the people who continue them with love and care. For me, the heart of preserving the culture lives in the spirit of Inifresi and in the strength of family. These are what keep our Chamoru heritage alive. They connect us to our ancestors and guide the generations that come after us.
I want to share why these matter so deeply and how they shape the way we honor Guam’s history, spirituality, and identity. Guam’s culture is more than our language or celebrations; it is the way we treat one another, the respect we show for the land, and the love we pass from one generation to the next.
What Inifresi Means to Me
Inifresi is a Chamorro word that means to “Pledge”, “Vow”, or “Promise.” This meaning is more than just words . It is part of who I am. It is the passing down of values, stories, language, and spiritual beliefs from one generation to the next. This reminds me that I am not separate from those who came before me, but part of an unbroken chain of memory and meaning.
Growing up, my mom and her siblings would teach me traditions about the old ways, such as Nginge' , which means a sign of respect to the elders. These traditions were more than stories; they were lessons in respect for nature, community, and our ancestors. Through them, I learned that every tree, wave, and sunrise carries wisdom. That is Inifresi in action.
This inheritance is a living tradition. It shapes how we celebrate fiestas, how we prepare traditional foods, and how we honor our spiritual practices. Without Inifresi, these customs risk fading away. Inifresi is what keeps them breathing, reminding us that culture must be practiced, not only remembered.
When I think of Inifresi, I think of a promise, a quiet vow to honor the past while protecting the future, meaning that is not only spoken in words but through action through the way we care for our families, respect our elders, and show gratitude for the blessings of the island.
Family as the Foundation of Tradition
Family is the core of Guam’s culture. It is within the family that traditions are taught, practiced, and preserved. I remember my own family gatherings where elders taught us Chamorro songs, dances, and prayers. These moments created a sense of belonging and pride that no classroom could ever replace.
Families in Guam often extend beyond the traditional model. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and even neighbors play roles in raising children and sharing cultural knowledge. This collective approach strengthens the preservation of our traditions because it reminds us that culture is a shared responsibility. No one person carries it alone.
Family is the root that holds everything together. It keeps us steady when life pulls us in different directions. No matter how far we travel or how much the world changes, the bond of family remains. Family is family, the people who remind us of who we are, who make us laugh when times are hard, and who love us even when words fall short.
Through family, we learn the importance of Inifresi. Every story told, every meal shared, and every song sung around the table carries meaning. Our elders are living libraries, and their wisdom is our inheritance. When families come together, they reinforce the idea that culture is not static. It grows, adapts, and changes, but its roots stay strong.
In my own life, family has been both my teacher and my healer. When I have felt distant from my culture or from myself, spending time with family through the laughter, the stories, and the sense of togetherness, always reminding me that culture lives through connection.
The Spiritual Connection in Our Traditions
Guam’s spiritual traditions are deeply connected to our culture. The reverence for ancestors, the respect for the land, and the rituals that mark life’s milestones are all a part of what makes our identity unique.
In my experience, family gatherings often include prayers or blessings that connect us to our spiritual roots. Whether it is a simple meal prayer or a special blessing before a fiesta, these moments remind us of our place in the world and the responsibility we carry to protect it.
Preserving these spiritual traditions requires intentional effort. It means teaching children the significance of rituals and encouraging them to participate in community ceremonies. Spirituality gives meaning to our customs. It transforms routine into remembrance and action into gratitude.
When we honor our ancestors or care for the land, we are practicing Inifresi. We are saying thank you for what has been given and promising to protect it for those who will come after us.
Challenges to Preservation and How We Can Overcome Them
Modern life, such as Globalization, Technology, and Changing Lifestyles, brings challenges to preserving Guam’s culture and can distance younger generations from traditional practices like navigation, weaving, and farming, which once kept our ancestors closely connected to the land and sea. When these practices fade, it becomes easier to forget where we come from and the wisdom that guided those before us.
To overcome this, families and communities must actively engage in cultural education. Culture cannot survive in silence. It must be spoken, practiced, and celebrated.
Here are some ways that can keep our traditions alive:
Create regular family events focused on traditional activities like weaving, cooking, or storytelling.
Encourage learning and speaking the Chamorro language at home and in schools.
Participate in community festivals that celebrate Guam’s heritage.
Document family histories and stories to keep the legacy alive.
Support local businesses and organizations that work to preserve traditions.
These may seem like small actions, but together they build a strong foundation. Culture grows stronger when it is lived and not only remembered.
Photo taken by my mother, Conchita Taitano (September 2022)
The Role of Community in Supporting Family and Inifresi
While family is the foundation, the broader community, such as Community centers, churches, and cultural groups, play a vital role in cultural preservation because they provide spaces where families can come together to practice traditions and learn from one another.
In Guam, events like fiestas, heritage days, and cultural workshops bring people together to celebrate and teach. These gatherings reinforce the importance of Inifresi by showing how culture lives in everyday actions, through shared meals, music, and service.
I have witnessed how community support helps families pass on traditions with pride. It creates a network that nurtures identity and encourages younger generations to be proud of their roots. When communities unite, the spirit of Inifresi becomes stronger, and the bonds between the people deepen.
Why Preserving Guam’s Culture Matters Today
Preserving Guam’s culture is essential for our identity and future because it gives us a sense of belonging and pride in who we are, connects us to our ancestors, and teaches us values like respect, humility, and resilience.
For me, Inifresi and Family are the living bridges between past and future. They remind me that culture is not just about history, but also a way of life that shapes our decisions, relationships, and dreams. Through them, I can remember that I am a part of something greater than myself.
We keep Guam’s heritage intact by protecting and sharing the traditions that make us who we are. In doing so, we make sure our culture stays a source of strength, hope, and inspiration for future generations. When we live with cultural awareness, we hold the love, wisdom, and spirit that our ancestors left with us.
Taking Action to Preserve Our Heritage
Each of us has a role in preserving Guam’s culture. Whether through family, community involvement, or personal learning, we can keep Inifresi alive.
Here are some significant ways to take part:
Talk with your elders and listen to their stories.
Share cultural practices with your children and relatives.
Participate in local cultural events and support artisans.
Learn and use the Chamorro language daily.
Support initiatives that protect Guam’s historical and spiritual traditions.
Preserving culture starts with awareness but thrives through action. Every story shared, every word spoken in Chamorro, and every act of kindness rooted in our traditions are what helps keep the spirit of Inifresi alive.
Through Family and Inifresi, we, the Chamorro people, can uphold the traditions that define Guam and the Marianas, keeping them vibrant for the future. When we do this, we are not only honoring our ancestors, but also shaping a future rooted in pride, love, and connection. Because no matter how much changes around us, the spirit of Inifresi and the strength of family remind us of one simple truth, and that is that Guam will always live within us.
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