Ginen i Halom Tåno' & May Harvest 2026: Cultivating a Food Secure Future
Guåhan Sustainable Culture's Ginen i Halom Tåno' Hunting Program, developed in partnership with the Guam Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) and funded by First Nations Development Institute, has demonstrated how collaboration between community organizations, government agencies, mentors, and participants can strengthen Guam's food system while preserving important CHamoru cultural practices. Through hunting education, mentorship, and hands-on field experience, the program is helping to build the next generation of responsible hunters while increasing access to locally harvested protein and supporting invasive species management.
Over the past several months, the program trained 32 participants in hunting safety and ethics, matched 19 new hunters with 9 dedicated volunteer mentors, and resulted in the harvest of more than 700 pounds of wild pig meat that was shared within our community. Beyond the numbers, they reflect a growing movement of individuals committed to reconnecting with the land, learning traditional skills, and contributing to Guam's food security.
At its core, Ginen i Halom Tåno' is about passing knowledge from one generation to the next. Experienced hunters generously shared their time, expertise, and values with new hunters, creating opportunities for participants to learn safe hunting practices, wildlife stewardship, and the cultural significance of harvesting food from the land.
The program also supports broader environmental goals by helping manage invasive wild pig populations while providing locally sourced protein for families and community events. By combining conservation, cultural preservation, and food production, the program demonstrates how traditional practices can help address modern challenges.
Celebrating Success at May Harvest
The success of the hunting program was celebrated during the Guam Department of Agriculture's annual May Harvest event, held in partnership with Guåhan Sustainable Culture at the Food Resiliency Hub in Yoña. The event brought together students, farmers, hunters, fishers, and community leaders to celebrate those who contribute to Guam's food system.
During May Harvest, participants in the Ginen i Halom Tåno' Hunting Derby were recognized for their accomplishments, including team awards, youth hunter awards, and special recognition for female hunters. Students also participated in game care demonstrations and enjoyed traditional CHamoru dishes prepared using wild pig harvested through the program, providing a direct connection between sustainable harvesting practices and Guam's living food traditions.
The event highlighted an important lesson: food security comes in many forms. Whether through farming, fishing, gathering, or hunting, strengthening local food systems requires a diversity of skills, knowledge, and community partnerships.
Congratulations to our Hunting Derby Team Winners - Team Bacon Me Crazy (Zach Copp, Stephanie Copp, Brayden Copp, and Barrett Copp) for winning the largest pig category and tying for most pigs harvested, and Team HMMWV (Chad Richardson and Nate Flores, and Andrea Quitigua) for winning the smallest pig category and tying for most pigs harvested.
Saina Ma'åse' to Our Supporters and Sponsors
This program would not have been possible without the many organizations, businesses, volunteers, mentors, and participants who believed in the vision of reconnecting our community with traditional foodways.
Special thanks to:
First Nations Development Institute
SPPC / 76 Circle K
PFC
Lenny Fejeran & Market Deli
Tendan Inda
Chef Mirko & Hyatt
Moe Ibanez and Tina Cepeda
GTA
Capitol Kitchen
Ban Thai
Dr. Liu at the University of Guam
Blades by Crank
Rocky Degracia
Ambros
Our instructors and volunteer mentors: Michael Duenas, Jay Gutierrez, Rocky DeGracia, Jeffrey Quitugua, Jathan Muna-Barnes, Renie (Rey)Llaneta, Shaun Martinez, Michael Duenas, John Jocson, Peter Kautz, Jamie Bass, Chad Richardson, Charlene Hopkins
All hunting program participants
We also extend our gratitude to the Guam Department of Agriculture and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources for their partnership and support in making this program possible.
Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and culturally grounded food system for Guåhan, one that honors our traditions while investing in the next generation.
