CHamoru historian and State Historic Preservation Office's (SHPO) cultural representative, Malia Ramirez, began the reburial ceremony with a chant, as she led the cultural blessing for ancient human remains found in Sabånan Fadang. Today, it's the site of Guam's latest military base, Camp Blaz.
Ramirez’s chant recounts the indigenous CHamoru creation myth centered around siblings Puntan and Fu’una. According to CHamoru legend, they’re believed to be the first beings that created the Earth. Ramirez commended the Navy for keeping the burial site in simplicity.
"We don't need to build monuments," said Ramirez. "Not for this generation. They lived within the land, and they died in the land." She added that leaving the site as it is provides respect to those who lived there.
The remains were wrapped in muslin cloth and woven baskets before being lowered into the earth. But what was noticeable during the ceremony, were the heavy equipment trucks passing by, continuing the construction of Camp Blaz. The Marine base is soon expected to host 5000 marines on the island. This was the result of a deal made during the Obama administration to move the Marines out of Okinawa. Their presence led to resentment in the local community, due to a long history of safety and environmental concerns.
The build-up on Guam has also been met with similar concerns. The new firing range has since placed frequently fished waters in a danger zone. In 2019, former Guam senator Clynt Ridgell asked for solutions to the military’s findings that the buildup may increase the cost of living, poverty, homelessness, and crime.
SHPO said the remains were found nearby, scattered in a “non-burial context”. The gravesites were preserved and a ceremony for that took place last year. However, they weren’t ready to be interred until April 5.
Monaeka Flores from the activist group Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian was present in front of the base. She told Pacific Daily News that, though she agrees the remains should ultimately be laid to rest, she didn’t want anyone to forget that the burial is on the site of military occupation.
Base spokesperson Maj. Diann Rosenfeld said the military works closely with SHPO to determine the best and most respectful way to honor the burials discovered on construction grounds.
"And we'll continue to coordinate and collaborate with SHPO's office to determine what this spot looks like once the construction happens here," said Rosenfeld. "And how we can save this location so folks from outside the community can come visit it in the future."
