Welcome Monica Guzman, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA) Board Chair welcomed and thanked the workshop participants. Guzman asserted this workshop was very important—important enough to hold on a Saturday so more people could attend. Guzman then invited Zina Ruiz, a cultural arts teacher from Pa’a Taotao Tano’, to open the workshop with a chant of blessing in Chamorro. Ruiz began by explaining that Chamorros have always been rooted in the land and how important it was for them to always ask permission from the ancestors to use it. She wanted, therefore, to use the words of the ancestors for this blessing. After the blessing, Guzman then proceeded to explain that the workshop was a collaboration between CAHA, Guam Preservation Trust and Guampedia. She introduced Guampedia staff members Rita Nauta and Dominica Tolentino who provided technical assistance during the workshop presentations. Guzman then explained that the presentations and other materials would be made available to the participants on a CD distributed after the workshop, as well as online at Guampedia (http://Guampedia.com). Other people acknowledged at the workshop included CAHA staff Jackie Balbas, Sherry Barcinas, Paul Cruz, Mark Duenas, and new staff member Bria. The workshop speakers were also introduced: Vince Camacho, an attorney from Carlsmith Ball; Robert Tupaz from Speaker Judi Won Pat’s office; Monique Storie from the Micronesian Area Research Center; and author Leo Babauta, who participated via Internet video call. Also present were Stephanie Flores, chief of staff for Senator Tina Muña-Barnes, and Therese Hart, chief of staff for Speaker Won Pat.
Protecting Intellectual Property 2013 ✧ 3