UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Kusinan San Hiyong, the outside kitchen

UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Kusinan San Hiyong, the outside kitchen

11/24/2025

The outside kitchen is the heart of CHamoru homes - a space for family stories, gathering, good food and fond memories. Concept by museum assistant Kay Quidachay; design and installation by Eva Aguon Cruz, Samantha Taitano and Myracle Mugol for the "Famagu'on-ta: Growing Up on Guam" exhibit. Photo courtesy of Guam Museum Foundation Inc.

Tricia A. Lizama, Ph. D.

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In October, I was invited to do a talk for the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence during Family Violence Awareness Month about creating safe spaces for healing. Preparing for this talk made me pause and think about what a “safe space” really means. For me, growing up, that place has always been our Kusinan San Hiyong, the outside kitchen.