Key contributors and collaborative partners who guided the production of the “Fino’ Siha Put Kinalamten Salut Yan Inutet Gi I Fino’ CHamoru (Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru)” celebrated the release of the publication during a ceremony held on August 4 at the Senator Antonio M. Palomo Guam Museum and Educational Facility in Hågatña. (Left to Right): Zita Pangelinan, Dr. Lilli Perez, Rosa Palomo, Ronald Laguana, Rufina Mendiola, Joey Franquez, Mariles Benavente, editor, Terrie Fejarang, Ann Rivera, Teresita Flores, Helene Paulino, Terry Aguon, Tasha Tydingco, and Dr. Pat Taimanglo.

A book launch ceremony was held on August 4 to celebrate the release of the first edition of the “Fino’ Siha Put Kinalamten Salut Yan Inutet Gi I Fino’ CHamoru (Behavioral Health and Disabilities Glossary in Chamoru).”   

The CHamoru glossary aims to facilitate communication about mental illness and disabilities in the CHamoru language.

"Although not an exhaustive glossary, it can help CHamoru speakers use other words and phrases to describe the conditions being experienced, endured, and/or observed," said Mariles Benavente, MSW, ACSW, Editor of the Glossary and former Guam CEDDERS Cultural and Linguistic Competence Consultant. "The glossary serves as an important community resource. Hopefully, the use of the Glossary can help evoke more informed decisions about getting, and giving, the right kind of help, or to better arm others to respond with more compassion and understanding towards those who face these challenges." 

Critical to the successful publication of the glossary was the partnership with an exceptional team of CHamoru Language Specialists: Rufina Mendiola, Ronald Laguaña, Maria Ana Rivera, Rosa Palomo, Teresita Flores, Joseph Franquez, and Dr. Patricia Taimanglo, a clinical psychologist who served as the content specialist. Contributors to the book include Dr. Lilli Perez, Dr. Tricia Lizama, Zita Pangelinan and well-known artist, Dr. Judy Flores. 

The production of this Glossary was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the University of Guam’s Center of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service (Guam CEDDERS), Project Kariñu and Guam LAUNCH under the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and the PEACE Program under the Prevention and Training Branch of the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. 

See photos from the launch ceremony.