The University of Guam Press invites the community to celebrate the release of its newest publication, “Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan.” This groundbreaking book features an incredible collection of photography, educational illustrations, research, and stories about the ancient village of Litekyan (Ritidian) in Northern Guam. The book’s launch will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at the historic Jose P. Lujan House, located at 167 Padre Palomo Street in Hagåtña. The book will be available for sale at the event for $42.

“‘Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan’ is an especially unique and powerful publication that not only provides valuable information about such a significant historic and cultural site, but also about the history of the CHamoru people,” said Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, Managing Editor of the University of Guam Press.

The book gives readers an intimate understanding of Litekyan, one of the only places on Guam where every period of human life can still be traced. It also serves as a community resource that weaves the historic significance of the area with its modern-day community value and highlights recent efforts to protect Litekyan from restricted access to the area due to the U.S. military’s plans to construct a nearby firing range.

“Lina’la’: Portraits of Life at Litekyan” is a publication of the Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC), which holds the most extensive repository of information about Guam and Micronesia.

“The book features a stunning collection of photos that capture the artifacts and legacies of Litekyan, so it will be a vital addition to MARC’s regional scholarship and storytelling resources,” said Dr. Monique C. Storie, Interim Director of MARC.

This publication was funded in part by a contribution from the Guam Preservation Trust, whose goal is to preserve and protect Guam’s historic sites, culture, and perspectives for the benefit of the island’s people and future. The book was also made possible through the contributions of images and information from Litekyan landowners, community organizations, traditional healers, cultural practitioners, researchers, the Guam Wildlife Refuge, and local artists and photographers.

The community is also invited to learn more about Litekyan on July 28 during Archeology Day at the Guam Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit. Activities will be held at Litekyan throughout the day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Archeology Day, contact the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at (671) 355-5096 or email Program Manager Dr. Larisa Ford at larisa_ford@fws.gov.

For more information about the book and its launch, please contact Victoria-Lola M. Leon Guerrero at (671) 735-2154 or victorialola@triton.uog.edu.