Day 174: Amot Taotao Tåno' Farm, Dededo, Guam
📌APIA Every Day (174) - Amot Taotao Tano Farm, located in Dededo, Guam, has been a vital part of the community since its establishment in 2010 by Bernice Tudela Nelson. The farm spans 2.5 acres and contains over 200 medicinal plants, many native to Guam and others from places like China, the Philippines, Japan, Pohnpei, Palau, and the U.S. The name 'Amot Taotao Tano' translates to "Medicine for the People of the Land" reflecting the farm's mission to protect and preserve Guam's native medicinal plants while perpetuating CHamoru traditional healing practices which is currently a dying practice.
Bernice Nelson, inspired by her suruhana (traditional healer) aunt, dedicated herself to traditional medicine and healing later in life. Her passion for herbal medicine and traditional CHamoru practices led her to open the farm, where she has been educating various groups, organizations, and families about the importance and use of these medicinal plants for over a decade. The farm also aims to teach CHamoru youths about traditional healing practices, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of medicine preparation, often incorporating prayers like "Hail Mary" during the process.
Recently, the farm's future has become uncertain due to a lease issue with the CHamoru Land Trust Commission (CLTC). Bernice applied for a small business assistance loan to help repair damages sustained from Typhoon Mawar, which brought attention to her lease. Under the Organic Act, Bernice needed to prove that her family was living on Guam before 1950 to keep the land lease. She faced challenges finding the necessary documentation due to incomplete records from that time. Eventually, she managed to gather evidence, including her grandfather's birth and baptism certificates, proving her family's residency before 1950. Despite this, the final decision lies with the CLTC board, which is expected to meet soon to determine the fate of the farm. However, there is hope that Amot Taotao Tano Farm can continue to serve its mission in preserving traditional healing practices for future generations.
LEARN MORE:
YouTube: Suruhana Bernice Nelson at the Amot Taotao Tano' Farm
Mother Earth News: Traditional Medicinal Plants at Guam’s Amot Taotao Tano Farm
Farm To Table Guam: AMOT FARM INC
USA Today: Guam's indigenous healers harvest medicinal heritage at naval base
KUAM News: Owner at risk of losing Amot Farm
KUAM News: Amot Taotao Tano owner speaks before CHamoru Land Trust board
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