National Trust for Historic Preservation Wins Major Victory in Protecting Guam’s Historic Pågat Village

Posted November 17, 2011 | Contact pr@savingplaces.org or 202-588-6141

Statement by President Stephanie Meeks

Yesterday, the U.S. Navy publicly announced its intent to consider alternative locations for firing ranges that were originally to be built adjacent to an ancient settlement and important cultural site in Guam, Pågat Village.  The following is a statement by Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

“Pågat Village is a rare and extraordinary site, filled with history and culture.  It would be a travesty to lose this treasure not only for the indigenous Chamorro people, who revere Pågat Village as a place for the souls of their ancestors, but also for the general public.  The ranges would have caused significant harm to Pågat’s historic setting, and placed Pågat Village within the “Surface Danger Zone” of the firing ranges, leaving the site vulnerable to damage, and dramatically curtailing the public’s ability to access and experience this sacred place. 

“The work of the community to protect the island’s 4,000-year history has been overwhelming.  The Navy made the right decision to re-open the public review process and we would like to thank them for reconsidering the location of these firing ranges.  This decision further acknowledges the importance of protecting what is special and irreplaceable.  We look forward to working with the Navy to identify more appropriate locations for weapons training away from sensitive cultural resources.”

BACKGROUND ON THE LAWSUIT
In November 2010, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Guam Preservation Trust and We are Guåhan filed a lawsuit against the Navy to protect and preserve Pågat Village. The organizations received generous pro bono representation from Nicholas Yost and Matthew Adams of SNR Denton, LLP.

BACKGROUND ON PÅGAT VILLAGE
Pågat Village, the last remaining and best preserved pre-colonial site owned by the Government of Guam, is revered by Guam’s indigenous Chamorro people and was the first site listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Guam. It is one of the small island’s most tangible links to its ancient past, frequented by educators, traditional healers, fishermen and the public at large. The Chamorro, who comprise almost half of Guam’s population, believe Pågat is a dwelling place for the souls of their ancestors and they visit Pågat often to seek advice and engage in traditional cultural and religious activities.