Guma’ Irensian Taotao Tano’

Master of Chamorro Dance Eileen Meno

Guma’ Activites

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(Guma’ Motto/Quote)

Master of Chamorro Dance Eileen R. Meno

Born and raised on the island of Guam, Eileen R. Meno was raised with the traditions of our Chamorro culture deeply rooted in her heart, mind, and soul. The passion she holds so fondly for our beautiful culture began when she was a young Chamorita in the village of Inalåhan. Surrounded by people that practiced their culture and traditions daily encompassed her environment and allowed for her education and stimulation, to evolve into love and passion.

Her torch of knowledge and love for educating both young and old, native to this land or not, was ignited after crossing paths with Francisco Rabon, the (first) Master of Chamorro Dance. She has actively followed in the footsteps of Saina Rabon and embracing his philosophies…  “First, we take from the past, combined with the present and build for the future.  Second, instill in future generations the pride of the existence of the Chamorro people and her traditions. Third, educate and share with others the uniqueness of the indigenous traditions of our people through visual performances. Lastly, we respect others of culture in their struggles to preserve their indigenous traditions.”

Driven by her love and passion for her heritage, Eileen journeyed in to a life as a cultural practitioner under the direction of Frank Rabon. As a student of Saina Rabon for more than 20 years, she has had numerous opportunities to travel and represent our island in many festivals abroad.  Eileen was bestowed the honorary title of Master of Chamorro Dance in December 2012.   

In December of 2000, Ms. Meno, or Auntie Eileen, as known to many, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guam through the College of Education, in Secondary Education and Cultural Specialty. She began her teaching career at L.P. Untalan Middle School (LPUMS) teaching Chamorro Language and culture in January 2001. In the school year 2010-2011, an opportunity arose to teach at George Washington High School in the village of Mangilao, where she presently continues to educate the youth or our community during and after school hours.

I Lina’la I Gima’

In January 2001, the Chamorro Cultural Dance Group Famagu’on Oro (Children of Gold) was formed based out of L.P. Untalan Middle School. It provided for an after school program for the students. It allowed them to expand their education of Chamorro song, chant, and dance outside the walls and time limitations of the classroom. The physical and mental requirements of each student became more intense as they progressed. Students who continued well after the school year would soon participate in På’a Taotao Tåno’s Annual Dinaña Minagof held in the month of June. With every new school year, new students would filter in to the after school program, just as students transitioned and entered into the high school level. Some students of Famagu’on Oro who transitioned in to high school found themselves returning to the after school program to continue their participation with the group. As Famagu’on Oro developed through the years, the knowledge and skills did as well. Ms. Meno soon incorporated different hands-on workshops to build the knowledge of her students in the practices and traditions of the Chamorro culture. With each workshop, students learned to appreciate and respect themselves and others more. Ms. Meno soon instilled the courage, guidance, and teamwork in to these children and young adults. Famagu’on Oro soon developed into a more family-oriented, safe haven for some. As a result of placing 1st and Overall Champions in 2006 at the Annual Dinaña Minagof, Famagu’on Oro had the opportunity to represent Guam for the 25th Annual Flame Tree Festival in Saipan. In 2008, Famagu’on Oro was invited to participate with the Guam Delegation of Performing Arts, under the direction of Saina Frank Rabon. Five members, including Ms. Meno, would represent Guam in the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in American Samoa. With the expansion of the group came change.

In addition to an after school program, they soon became a “community group” as well. A name change then took place in August of 2009 as the members of Famagu’on Oro no longer made up solely of students of L.P. Untalan Middle School, but also individuals from various island villages. The group name became Irensian Taotao Tåno’ (Heritage of the People of the Land). Ms. Meno believes she must first teach the members of who they are. The understanding of the history of their heritage, to the history of their ancestors, before moving on to a lifetime journey of preserving the Chamorro culture.

Continuing the path of promoting, perpetuating, and preserving the Chamorro culture, Irensian Taotao Tåno’ continues to educate the local community through local gatherings such as fiestas, conferences, etc.; putting on presentations using song, chant, and dance to depict the interpretations of stories, legends, traditions, etc. of the island of Guam. The group has seen members come and go, and yet it still thrives, renewing itself as new members enter. Older members get the opportunity to put to the test the knowledge and skills they have gained to work with the new members and teach them. It also allows them to use the team building skills acquired during the Chalan Fuetsa.

In 2012, an open invitation from Saina Frank was given to the members of Irensian Taotao Tåno’ to participate once again with the performing arts delegation for the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in Salomon Islands. Eight members of the group had the opportunity to experience 27 other cultures from around the Pacific. Members of the group also participated alongside fellow practitioners of På’a Taotao Tåno’ for the Ha’ånen Minagof (Certification of Traditional Arts Instructors “Fafa'någue”) and the Ukon I Mañaina-ta (Chamorro musical concert recognizing the songs and chants of our elders). At the end of the year, members of Guma’ Irensian Taotao Tåno’ were extremely proud and happy for their Fafa'någue, Eileen R. Meno, for she received the honorary title of Master of Chamorro Dance.

Guma’ Irensian Taotao Tåno’ established a cultural connection with a Chamorro dance house based in Japan, Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’ (People of the Land of the Rising Sun), under the direction of Asami Nohira San Nicolas. The members of Irensian Taotao Tåno’ traveled to Japan and attended the Yokohama Aloha Festival and the Mito City Festival. Through the duration of their stay, members of Guma’ Irensian Taotao Tåno’ conducted dance and weaving workshops with members of Guma’ Taotao Kinahulo’ Atdao na Tåno’. By the end of the stay, a bond was forged between members of both Houses. With the success of this cultural exchange, Saina Eileen and Asami hope to continue the exchange in the future.