UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Good relationships take time: Lessons from CHamoru healers

From 2009 to the present day, I have had the privilege of interviewing over 40 traditional healers in Guam, Saipan, Rota and Tinian. What began as a research project to document CHamoru healing practices turned into a profound life journey. A journey rooted in trust, respect, patience and deep human connection. I didn’t know it then but it was also my quest to find healing for my grief. I lost my nana-biha (grandmother) when I was 15 years old. She and her sisters, although they would never self-identify as a traditional healer, would make åmot (CHamoru medicine) for family and friends.