The 2024 PIALA group photo at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña, Guam.
Team JKPL with Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero at the 33rd Annual PIALA Conference in Hagåtña, Guam.
(PIALA) — The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums held a successful 33rd annual conference from Dec. 2 to 7, 2024, at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña, Guam.
The 33rd Annual PIALA Conference was co-sponsored by the Department of CHamoru Affairs, Guam Museum, Guam Public Library System, University of Guam’s Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Guam Cultural Repository, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and Northern Marianas Library Association.
The conference brought together over 100 attendees from across the Pacific region, including librarians, archivists, museum professionals, historic/cultural preservation officers, educators, and researchers.
PIALA is a regional association committed to fostering awareness and encouraging cooperation and resource sharing among libraries, archives, museums, and related institutions of the Pacific Islands.
The theme of the conference was “Indigenizing Libraries, Archives, and Museums in the Pacific,” and the program featured a variety of tours, keynote speeches, presentations, panel discussions, a cultural arts and crafts fair on the following:
• Pre-Conference Tour of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Pictograph Cave & Latte Village at Ritidian with the following Guides: Marybelle Quinata, Park Ranger; Brian Leon Guerrero, (USFWS) Guide for Latte Village Tour; Maria Balbin, Kupu Member at Guam National Wildlife Refuge; Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Guam Museum Curator; Patrick Lujan, Guam State Historic Preservation Officer; Siñot Daniel “Matåo” Pangelinan, Instructor, University of Guam, CHamoru Researcher Program
• Kenote Speech from David B. Tydingco, Chairman of the Guam Museum Foundation, Inc & Owner, Valley of the Latte
• “Panel Discussion: Indigenizing Museum Protocols & Navigating Western Policies” featuring: Leonard Leon, Executive Director for the NMI Museum of History & Culture, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Guam Museum Curator, Guam; Dr. Kelly Marsh-Taitano, Guam Cultural Repository Curator, Guam; and Nicole DeLisle Dueñas, Guam Cultural Repository Archaeological Collections Lab Manager, Guam
• “Children of Our Homeland: Indigenizing Children’s Library Programs and Services at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library” presented by Celina C. Foreman, Librarian II; Sina Ha’ani Palacios, Library Outreach Assistant; Haena Cruz, Library Intern, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library (Children of Our Homeland, a.k.a. Children’s Library), Saipan, Northern Marianas
• “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Guam Museum” led by Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua
• Keynote Speech from Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo, Assistant Professor at the College of Ethnic Studies at the California State University-Los Angeles Campus
• “Re-repatriating the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Archives” presented by Eleanor Kleiber, Pacific Collection Librarian, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawai’i
• “How We Indigenize Our Libraries, Museums and Archives” presented by Erika Emily Billen, Library Technician, Friends of the Pohnpei Public Library, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia; Nercyner D Simina, LAMP Pohnpei Inc., Pohnpei Public Library, Federated States of Micronesia
• “Indigenizing Teen Services at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library” presented by Caitlyn Crisostomo, Library Assistant I, Teen Services, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library; Kaleina Reyes, Library Assistant I, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas
• “Enhancing Community Connection and Literacy Through Indigenous Literature” presented by Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, Director of Publishing, University of Guam Press, Guam
• “Indigenizing Information Literacy at University of Guam” presented by Roland San Nicolas, Associate Professor of Library Science, Robert F. Kennedy Library, University of Guam, Guam
• “Fostering New Librarians: The UOG MLS Program” presented by Jefrey Libao, Systems Librarian and Roland San Nicolas, Associate Professor of Library Science, Robert F. Kennedy Library, University of Guam, Guam
• University of Guam’s Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center Tour led by Dr. Monique Carriveau Storie, Interim Vice Provost, Academic Excellence, Graduate Studies, and Online Learning/Dean of University Libraries
• University of Guam Press led by Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, Director of Publishing, University of Guam Press, Guam and Team
• Guam Cultural Repository Tour led by Dr. Kelly Marsh-Taitano, Guam Cultural Repository Curator, Guam and Team
• Keynote Speech from Joe E. Quinata, Chief Program Officer of the Guam Preservation Trust
• “Chalanen Guampedia: Mo’na yan Tatte/Tatti (Charting Guampedia’s Course: Past & Future)” presented by Managing Director of the Guampedia Foundation/ Guampedia’s Co-Founder Rita Pangelinan Nauta
• “Empowering Marianas Archives with Oral Traditions” presented by Roberto Santos, Archive Manager, Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Saipan, Northern Marianas
• “What is Humanities Guahan?” presented by Nedine Songeni, Program Manager, Humanities Guahan, Guam
• “Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s Bookmobile” presented by Leoralynn S. Terlaje, Library Assistant III/Bookmobile Supervisor; Carrie Camacho, Library Outreach Assistant; Omar T. Manacop, Systems Librarian, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas
• “Ta Nå’i Ånimu: Honoring CHamoru Culture and Native Land Stewardship Through Art” presented by Maria Hernandez May, Co-Executive Director, Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, Guam
• “Incorporating Ōlelo Hawaii and Pacific Languages – Library of the Blind and Print Disabled” presented by Stacey Aldrich, Hawai’i State Librarian of the Hawai’i State Public Library System, Hawai’i and Matthew Brown, Manager of the Hawai’i Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, which is a under the Hawai’i State Public Library System and regional library in the National Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled network, Hawai’i
• Discussion Panel: Pacific Island Delegation to 2024 Association of Archives, Libraries, and Museums Conference presented by Erlinda Naputi, President, Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums; Library Director Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Leoralynn S. Terlaje, Bookmobile Supervisor/Library Assistant III, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Beth Demapan, Technical Services Librarian, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Leonard Leon, Executive Director, NMI Museum of History & Culture, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Linda Aguon, Guam Public Library System; and Bryan Pacheco, Guam Public Library System
• “The Indigenizing Legacy of Malia Angelica Ramirez” presented by Managing Director of the Guampedia Foundation/ Guampedia’s Co-Founder Rita Pangelinan Nauta
• “Traditions of Our Past Are Viable Solutions for Our Future — Rebuilding our Maritime Community” presented by Emma Perez, Co-Founder & COO of 500 Sails, Saipan, Northern Marianas
• “Joeten-Kiyu Public Library: Indigenizing Library Programs and Services” presented by Erlinda C. Naputi, PIALA President/Library Director; Beth B. Demapan, Technical Services Librarian, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas
• Post-Conference Tour at the Valley of the Latte with Owner David Tydingco and Team
• PIALA Cultural Arts and Crafts Fair featuring master carvers and artists sharing their talents, time, and culture for conference attendees
Conference highlights
The Litekyan (Ritidian) Point cultural tour, led by the Guam National Wildlife Refuge in collaboration with Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan and his team, Siñot Daniel Matao Pangelinan and Dr. Miget Bevacqua, provided an exceptional start to the conference. The tour offered a rich immersion into the area’s cultural and historical significance. Overall, the Ritidian Point cultural tour offered a multifaceted and enriching experience, setting the stage for a conference focused on preserving and celebrating the Pacific Islands’ rich cultural heritage.
The Latte Village tour was particularly insightful, shedding light on the region’s unique architectural traditions. The latte stones, massive pillars capped with hemispherical stones, are iconic symbols of the ancient Chamorro or CHamoru culture, and their construction techniques and societal implications were explored in detail.
The tour also highlighted the area’s pictographs, ancient rock art depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and the natural world. These visual narratives offered a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the island’s early inhabitants.
The traditional amot tour also explored of a traditional herbal medicine technique utilizing the local medicinal plants. This demonstration underscored the deep connection between the Chamorro/CHamoru people and the surrounding environment, highlighting their sustainable practices and resourcefulness.
Throughout the conference, keynote speakers and presenters shared their insights and best practices on indigenizing libraries, archives, and museums within their respective institutions. The presentations covered various topics, including community engagement and collaboration, repatriation and decolonization of collections, language preservation and revitalization, Traditional knowledge and cultural protocols, and digital archiving and access. The conference provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with professionals from across the Pacific region. These interactions fostered exchanging ideas and experiences, strengthening the collective efforts to preserve and promote indigenous cultures.
PIALA presented two Lifetime Achievement awards, the first to the late Malia Angelica Ramirez and the second to Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo. PIALA paid tribute to Guam Historian, CHamoru oral historian and genealogist Toni “Malia” Ramirez, whose tireless efforts have allowed generations to learn more about the island’s heritage. Malia Ramirez was a cherished member of our island and a tireless protector of CHamoru heritage. Ramirez was an oral historian for the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation’s Historic Resources Division. PIALA collaborated with the Guampedia Foundation/ Guampedia.com. Guampedia Managing Director Rita Pangelinan Nauta assisted in the presentation of this award via a poster panel display of Malia. Malia’s family — Malia’s sister, Bobbie Ramirez, and nieces Fina Ramirez Leon, were present to receive the honor.
PIALA presented a second Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating the excellence in leadership of Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo, for her outstanding contributions to cultural preservation, education, advocacy, and community well-being for the libraries, archives, and museums profession in the Pacific. Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo is the Assistant Professor at the College of Ethnic Studies at the California State University-Los Angeles Campus.
Local, regional, and national dignitaries from leading academic, cultural, historical, arts, business, library, museum, archive, and political community participated in the conference.
Special thanks to the following individuals: Ritidian guide Sinot Daniel Matao Pangelinan killing an invasive brown tree snake at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Pictograph Cave Tour at Ritidian. Department of CHamoru Affairs President Melvin Won Pat-Borja delivered the Welcoming Remarks. Library Director/PIALA President Erlinda C. Naputi delivered the Message from PIALA. Special Remarks were delivered by President/CEO of Guam Community College Dr. Mary Ann Young Okada. A special message from the Institute of Museum and Library Services was delivered by Associate Deputy Director for Grants to States Program Teri Devoe and IMLS Senior Program Officer Madison Bolls. Hawaii State Librarian Stacey Aldrich, who was also past President of the Chief Officers of the State Library Agencies, and former State Librarian of Pennsylvania and California donating gifts for the silent auction and delivered a presentation together with Matthew Brown, the Manager of the Hawaii Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. The Guam Museum Tour and Special Collection Overview was facilitated by Guam Museum Curator Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua. Guam Cultural Repository Tour was facilitated by former Guam Senator and Guam Cultural Repository Curator Dr. Kelly Marsh-Taitano and her team. Micronesia Area Resource Center Tour was facilitated by University of Guam’s Dean of University Libraries Dr. Monique Carriveau Storie. Guam Museum Administrator Leona Mendiola Young and the Guam Museum Team were on hand assisting with logistics. Guam Public Library System Acting Director and Director of the Council of the Arts & Humanities Agency Angie Taitague and her team from the Guam Public Library System were on hand welcoming and registering attendees to the Conference. A special message from the Hawaii Library Association was delivered by HLA President Sunny Pai honoring the 2024 Karen Peacock Memorial Award Recipient — Technical Services Librarian from Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Beth B. Demapan. Master Carver Greg Pangelinan sharing story about the beautiful sinahi he carved promoting the indigenous CHamoru culture during the PIALA Cultural Arts and Crafts Fair.
The Honorable Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero graciously took part in the closing ceremony at the Guam Museum. She greeted, welcomed, and acknowledged all PIALA delegates for the 33rd Annual PIALA Conference. Governor Leon Guerrero delivered a congratulatory speech highlighting PIALA, PIALA delegates, and PIALA President Erlinda C. Naputi on a successful conference and of the importance of PIALA for Pacific information professionals to network, share ideas, and learn from each other. She highlighted the conference theme “Indigenizing Archives, Libraries, and Museums in the Pacific” and recognized the amazing work PIALA continues to do for the region and for the historical significance PIALA has on Guam.
The conference underscored the critical importance of indigenizing libraries, archives, and museums to accurately represent and preserve indigenous cultures. Successful indigenization efforts require active collaboration and engagement with indigenous communities, respecting their knowledge, values, and protocols. Libraries, archives, and museums must adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of Indigenous communities, utilizing technology and digital platforms to enhance accessibility and outreach.
The PIALA conference concluded with an enriching cultural tour of the Valley of Latte, a living museum in Guam’s heart. The Guam Museum Foundation Chairman and Valley of the Latte owner, Mr. David Tydingco, led the tour, sharing his insights on the site’s fundamental values and emphasizing the critical role that living museums like the Valley of Latte play in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.
With its lush landscapes and ancient latte stones, the Valley of Latte offered a tangible connection to the island’s ancestral past. Mr. Tydingco’s explanations illuminated the significance of these latte stones, not merely as physical structures but as symbols of the ingenuity, resilience, and spiritual beliefs of the Chamorro/CHamoru people. He underscored the importance of preserving such sites, not as static relics but as dynamic spaces where cultural traditions can be practiced, shared, and passed down to future generations.
The tour served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between cultural heritage and the missions of libraries, archives, and museums. By preserving and providing access to cultural materials, these institutions play a vital role in fostering cultural understanding, promoting intercultural dialogue, and strengthening community identity.
The Valley of Latte experience underscored the importance of incorporating living museums and cultural sites into the PIALA conference itinerary. Such experiences offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage with cultural heritage in a tangible and meaningful way, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands.
The 33rd Annual PIALA Conference was a great success, and the Guam Museum was proud to host this important event. The conference helped to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting Pacific cultures, and it provided a platform for Pacific information professionals to connect with each other and share their knowledge and expertise.
PIALA’s president and chair of this year’s conference is a daughter of the Northern Marianas, Erlinda Cabrera Naputi, who is also the Library Director/CNMI State Librarian of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. In her message from PIALA, Naputi shared, “The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums stands as a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Our organization and dedicated members are pivotal in preserving and promoting the indigenous languages, cultures, and histories that form the bedrock of the Pacific Islander people’s identity. Through our tireless efforts, PIALA ensures that the unique traditions, stories, and knowledge of the Pacific Islands are not lost to the sands of time but are instead celebrated, cherished, and passed on to future generations. The Pacific Islands, with their breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultures, face many challenges, including the devastating effects of climate change, the lingering impacts of colonialism, and the pressures of globalization. In the face of these challenges, PIALA and its members stand as beacons of resilience, working tirelessly to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. Our work is not merely about preservation; it is about empowerment, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Pacific Islander people are heard and respected.”
(For the text of the speech, visit PIALA’s website at https://piala-pacific.wixsite.com/piala-pacific/.)
Special thank you to all of the donors, sponsors, community partners, and attendees for contributing to a successful 33rd Annual PIALA Conference.
Thank you to the following Platinum Sponsors: Department of CHamoru Affairs, Guam Museum, Guam Museum Foundation, Inc., Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and Valley of the Latte.
Thank you to the following Gold Sponsors: Master Carver Greg T. Pangelinan, Robert Taitano Jr., Darrell Terlaje, and Pacific Advisory Services.
Thank you the following Silver Sponsors: Marianas Visitors Authority, Stacey Aldrich, and Matthew Brown.
Thank you to the following Bronze Sponsors: Herman’s Modern Bakery, Martin Naputi, Erlinda C. Naputi, Vincent Sablan, Beth B. Demapan, Celina C. Foreman, Leoralynn S. Terlaje, Caitlyn Crisostomo, Joey Songsong, and Saipan Advertising.
Thank you to the following PIALA Conference Contributors: Guampedia, University of Guam, UOG’s Robert F. Kennedy Library, Guam Cultural Repository, Guam Public Library System, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center, Guam Community College, GCC’s Learning Resource Center, University of Guam Press, Guam National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Yap State Library Association, Chuuk Association of Libraries, Guam Library Association, Hawaii Library Association, Kosrae Library Association, Libraries, Archives, and Museums of Pohnpei, Palau Association of Libraries, Marshall Islands Library Association, and Northern Marianas Library Association Inc.
Thank you to the following individuals: Honorable Lou Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam; Honorable Joshua “Josh” Franquez Tenorio, Lt. Governor of Guam; Honorable Arnold I. Palacios, Governor of the CNMI; Honorable David M. Apatang, Lt. Governor of the CNMI; U.S. Delegate James Moylan, Guam; David Tydingco; Dr. Monique Storie; Dr. Mary Okada; Dr. Kenneth Kuper; Angie Taitague; Daniel “Matao” Pangelinan; Patrick Lujan; Joeten family; Kiyu family; Dr. Toni L. Mizerek; Marybelle Quinata; Brian Leon Guerrero; Maria Balbin; Dakota Camacho from Gi Matan Guma’; Leni Leon; and Dr. Elizabeth Rechebei.
Thank you to the 2024 PIALA Conference Planning/Organizing Committee: Angie Taitague, Acting Director of the Guam Public Library System & Director of the Council of the Arts & Humanities Agency; Mary Arius, Palau Public Library, Republic of Palau; Truleen Albert, Pohnpei Public Library, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia; Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Guam Museum Curator, Guam; Melvin Won Pat-Borja, President of the Department of CHamoru Affairs, Guam; Beth B. Demapan, Program Committee Chair, Technical Services Librarian, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Nicole DeLisle Duenas, Archaeological Collections Lab Manager, Guam Cultural Repository, Guam; Jayleen Kokis, CAL-Chuuk Library Association, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia; Leona Mendiola-Young, Administrator, Guam Museum, Guam; and 2024 PIALA Conference Design Omar T. Manacop, Systems Librarian, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Northern Marianas.
Thank you to the PIALA Executive Board: Erlinda C. Naputi, PIALA Conference Chair/PIALA President, Library Director, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan, Northern Marianas; Abel Noah, PIALA Vice President, Republic of Palau; Jefrey Libao, PIALA Treasurer, Asst. Professor, Systems Librarian, University of Guam, Guam; and Suciana Mark, PIALA Secretary, Assistant Librarian at Alele Public Library, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Further information is available at https://piala-pacific.wixsite.com/piala-pacific/.
Event filled activities
The 33rd Annual PIALA Conference consisted of six full days of event-filled activities held on Dec. 2-7, 2024. Pre-Conference started on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 leading to the General Conference from Tuesday, Dec. 3 to Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Post-Conference was held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
The 33rd Annual PIALA Conference hosted 100+ attendees from across the Pacific — Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, and Pohnpei), New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa and the U.S. mainland.
PIALA invited librarians, archivists, museum professionals, researchers, educators, students, and anyone interested in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage to attend this exciting event.
Cheers to next year’s 2025 PIALA Conference at the Republic of the Marshall Islands! Stay tuned for more conference details through PIALA’s website.
PIALA history
The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is a Pacific regional association established in 1991 and formed to address the needs of Pacific librarians, archivists, museum staff and other information professionals, with a special geographic focus on Micronesia.
Meaning “tiny islands,” Micronesia comprises some 2,200 little volcanic and coral islands spread throughout 4,500,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean. Lying west of Hawaii, east of the Philippines, south of Japan and north of Australia, the total land mass of all these tropical islands is less than 1,200 square miles with an estimated population of 555,013. The task of organizing a regional association, given this vast geographic setting and the lack of fast, reliable and inexpensive communication makes for many challenges. Hence, PIALA.
The seeds for PIALA were planted during the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Governor’s Conference for Libraries and Information Services, held in Saipan in October 1990. hereafter, at another informal meeting held November, 1990 at the Guam Governor’s Conference for Libraries and Information Services, plans for an organizational meeting were developed. An organizational meeting was then held at the University of Guam in February, 1991 at which two participants each from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands and the Territory of Guam attended.
PIALA is committed to the development of resource sharing tools and networks among the libraries, archives, museums, and related institutions of the Pacific Islands, development of continuing education programs and experiences, and promoting technology and telecommunications applications throughout the region. Our mission is to enhance the quality of leadership in order to support and strengthen libraries, archives, and museums across the Pacific Islands. Since the inception of PIALA, the membership has grown to 66 individual members from over 35 institutions representing countries and U.S. territories including Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia: Kosrae, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Tinian, Rota, Saipan, Guam, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Japan, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the United Kingdom.
PIALA regional members comprise the following key associations in the Pacific: Northern Marianas Library Association, Chuuk Association of Libraries, Guam Library Association, Hawaii Library Association, Kosrae Library Association, Libraries, Archives, and Museums of Pohnpei, Marshall Islands Library Association, Palau Association of Libraries, and Yap State Library Association.