Guma’ Imahe: Preserving Chamorro Culture in Washington State
Chamorro Day in Washington is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of roots, resilience, and reconnection. And at the heart of it all is an organization called Guma’ Imahe — a cultural force based in Tacoma, WA, that’s been keeping the Chamorro spirit alive for over a decade.
As someone coming out from Guam to be a part of this event with Blades By Crank, I wanted to share a little about the powerful story behind Guma’ Imahe and the mission that makes this festival so special.
A Seed Planted in a Garage
In March 2012, what would become Guma’ Imahe started humbly — with 24 students learning traditional Chamorro dance in a three-car garage in Graham, Washington. Back then, it was known as Natibu Hacha, and it was an all-female group grounded in passion and purpose.
Just four months later, that purpose outgrew the garage and found a new home through a partnership with the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in South Tacoma. This collaboration helped expand their reach and deepen their cultural programming for the community.
Finding Their Image, Finding Their Voice
After one year, the group wanted a name that reflected who they truly were. They were gifted the name Imahe — meaning “image.” In 2015, following an intense cultural workshop hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau and the Guam Chamorro Dance Academy, they were blessed with a new identity: Guma’ Imahe, a recognized cultural house.
Today, Guma’ Imahe has grown to nearly 100 active members — each one a simiya, a seed carrying the stories of our people through movement, music, and meaning.
More Than Dance — It’s Legacy
Founded by Må’gas Guma’, Saina Joel Larimer, Guma’ Imahe has always stood for more than just dance. Saina Joel has been studying and teaching Bailan Chamorro since 1996. His belief is that dancing, chanting, and singing are not just performances — they are spiritual acts that connect us to our ancestors and pass on our history.
To be a part of Guma’ Imahe is to feel the deeper essence of inafa’maolek — to live in harmony, to uplift each other, and to carry the island within you, no matter where you are in the world.
A Mission That Moves the Community
Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Imahe’s mission is to educate the public about the Chamorro people, customs, and way of life. Through regular classes, public performances, cultural workshops, and now this brand-new Chamorro Day Festival, they’ve created a space for the diaspora to stay rooted in the culture — and for everyone to learn and celebrate with us.
In 2020, they became officially recognized by the Government of Guam and the I Fafa’någue Bailan CHamoru Tribal Council, solidifying their role as cultural leaders beyond the Marianas.
10 Years Strong — and Still Growing
In August 2022, Guma’ Imahe celebrated their 10th anniversary with a sold-out recital at Mt. Tahoma High School — a moment that showcased not just the performances but the powerful community that’s been built.
Now, as hosts of the first-ever Chamorro Day Festival, they’re bringing the community together for a day of food, music, dance, storytelling, cultural displays, workshops, and island shopping — all grounded in the values they’ve championed since day one.
Blades By Crank Joins the Celebration
I’m honored to be part of this event. I’ll be there repping Blades By Crank, sharing a collection of culture-inspired knives made with island pride. These blades carry designs and engravings rooted in our history — from ancient Chamorro pottery to the spirit of our ancestors. I’m only bringing a limited batch with me to Washington, so if you're around, come by the festival and check them out in person.
But more than the knives — I’m stoked to stand alongside Guma’ Imahe and help celebrate what it means to be Chamorro.
This is about more than just a pop-up. It’s about carrying the legacy forward — sharp, strong, and SHINARP.
Si Yu’us Ma’åse Guma’ Imahe. Can’t wait to see you all on June 21.