Ignacio Rosario Camacho, also known as "Nash" and "Slick" (Familian Bruno / Aragon), was called to eternal rest on July 9, 2018 at the age of 61 years.
Funeral services at the Guam Veterans' Cemetery in Piti were held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 with an inurnment ceremony at 1 p.m.
Rewritten from information published in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on August 2, 2018.
Obituary as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 1, 2018, on page 8.
*****
"Traditional seafarer Ignacio 'Nash' Camacho dies"
By Chloe B. Babauta
Chamoru traditional seafarer, volunteer at the Ritidian wildlife refuge and retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho died earlier this month, according to family members.
Camacho died in his family home in Dededo, according to his nephew Don Cruz of Sinajana.
Camacho was beloved in the local community, and was known for his commitment to perpetuating Chamoru culture. He was also the brother of the late Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, longtime educator and author of the Inifresi (the Chamoru pledge).
While enlisted in the Air Force, Camacho spent years traveling the world, Cruz said.
Camacho returned to his home island of Guam after retiring at his duty station in Europe.
"I've seen the world with him, we've been on adventures together," Cruz said. "He wanted me to come join him, to open my eyes and see there's a big world out there. He was very worldly. He was strong about his culture, strong about his military background, and an advocate of the world."
Camacho was like a second father
Camacho was like a second father to Cruz. He inspired Cruz to join the Air Force and retire as a Master Sergeant, just like his uncle.
When Cruz returned to Guam after his military service, his uncle helped him return to the Chamoru culture and find his place.
"We need more people like my Uncle Nash, for those who come back home to Guam" Cruz said. "He made me feel like I had a sense of purpose as a Chamoru and coming back home. He made me feel like I was meant to be here, and be a part of this culture and make it great again."
Camacho will be missed by many other relatives, who looked up to him as a mentor, Cruz said.
"The world lost a good man, a good soul," Cruz said. "But it's heaven's gain and I hope to see him there one day."
Traditional seafarer
Camacho was a brave seafarer, dedicated to reviving the Chamoru traditional practice. He was a board member of the organization TASI: Traditions about Seafaring Islands.
"He was my voyaging brother," said Sandra Okada, president of Traditions Affirming Our Seafaring Ancestry. "We shared a strong passion for reviving and perpetuating traditional seafaring on Guam."
The two seafaring groups were planning a joint voyage through the Marianas during the next sailing season, Okada said.
"I'm deeply saddened that Nash will not be joining us on this voyage," she said.
Camacho and Okada worked closely together as co-chairs for the navigating and seafaring committee at the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts on Guam, and as co-presenters at a seafaring summit in Yap in December 2017.
"Through this process, we've always found these quiet moments with sharing our plans, visions, and reflections, and I'm going to miss it," Okada said. "He's been very passionate, and his masterpiece and legacy is going to live on in the Guam Museum."
Camacho helped create the traditional sakman on display in the Guam Museum, and worked to put together the museum's permanent exhibition.
'His spirit is here'
Since 2015, Camacho worked as a volunteer at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian, according to his close friend park ranger Emily Sablan.
He led tours for visitors and youths at the ancient Chamoru caves and latte village at Ritidian, and loved what he did.
"Ritidian was his haven," Sablan said. "At the refuge, we're experiencing a great loss."
With only a staff of five, losing Camacho as a resource hits hard, Sablan said.
"He wanted to learn every inch of this place," she said. "His spirit is here."
Camacho's loved ones plan to host a traditional seafaring sendoff, or despidida in Chamoru, in August at Ritidian.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 17, 2018.
*****
"Believing in the meaning, power of the Inifresi"
By Michael Lujan Bevacqua
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
One of the first great voyages of humanity
The Matao were ascending the soccer ranks and we both relished the idea of being able to speak to young players who were seeking to take on larger, better financed countries with millions of citizens from which to draw talent. We wove together stories of the first settlers to the Marianas, almost 4,000 years ago. They were the first humans to successfully sail into the open ocean. They carved a path into the unknown sea thousands of years before Europeans did the same. That point of pride is something that those from Guam and the Marianas can always carry with them. One of the first great voyages of humanity will always belong to us.
A week before Nash passed away, we met by chance at the Guam Museum. He was preparing to hang the canoe he had made as part of the permanent exhibit. I had just finished giving a tour to some visitors from off-island. One of the last conversations we had was about the Chamoru pledge, the Inifresi.
Inifresi was always something precious
The Inifresi was always something precious to Nash, as it was written by his older sister Dr. Bernadita Camacho Dungca, who passed away in 2015. He professed frustration at how some local institutions had started using their own English translations and that he wanted to ensure that his sister's intent would not be lost or diluted.
We both saw great power and potential in the pledge. That day at the museum he said to me, "The road to a better island starts there. The young people grow up reciting the words. Once they start to believe them and take them seriously, that's when things will start to get better." Nash was a strong supporter for Guam's independence and believed that the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous island started in protecting and defending the six core elements named in the Inifresi.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 26, 2018.
*****
Photo captions
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho aboard the Ana Varu recently. Camacho sailed out of Taiwan with German sailor and adventurer Burghard Pieske, who planned to sail a traditional Chamorro-style proa from Taiwan to Easter Island, traveling with seafarers from the various Pacific islands across the ocean. The first leg, from Taiwan, was to end in Guam but rough seas took the proa to Palau. (Photo courtesy of Ignacio R. Camacho Family)
Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a nature and cultural volunteer tour guide with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, uses his mobile phone to illuminate an ancient pictograph within one of the Star Caves at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge - Ritidian Unit in Yigo on Friday, July 28, 2017. Camp Shutterbug, a nature photography camp for kids, take budding photographers on hikes to capture images on the refuge. The next sessions are scheduled for Aug. 2 and 4, 2017, according to the Guam National Wildlife Refuge website. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Traditional ocean navigator Ignacio "Nash" Camacho assists the ocean-sailing vessel, Okeanos Marianas, in tying up to the rocks along the shore at the Hagåtña boat basin on Tuesdsay, Nov. 14, 2017. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho, a Traditions About Seafaring Islands member, and codesigner of the Chamoru Sakman outrigger replica canoe "Tasi," talks about his creation during a ceremony at the Guam Museum on June 29, 2017. (Photo by Frank San Nicolas / Pacific Daily News)
Funeral services at the Guam Veterans' Cemetery in Piti were held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 with an inurnment ceremony at 1 p.m.
Rewritten from information published in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on August 2, 2018.
Obituary as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 1, 2018, on page 8.
*****
"Traditional seafarer Ignacio 'Nash' Camacho dies"
By Chloe B. Babauta
Chamoru traditional seafarer, volunteer at the Ritidian wildlife refuge and retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho died earlier this month, according to family members.
Camacho died in his family home in Dededo, according to his nephew Don Cruz of Sinajana.
Camacho was beloved in the local community, and was known for his commitment to perpetuating Chamoru culture. He was also the brother of the late Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, longtime educator and author of the Inifresi (the Chamoru pledge).
While enlisted in the Air Force, Camacho spent years traveling the world, Cruz said.
Camacho returned to his home island of Guam after retiring at his duty station in Europe.
"I've seen the world with him, we've been on adventures together," Cruz said. "He wanted me to come join him, to open my eyes and see there's a big world out there. He was very worldly. He was strong about his culture, strong about his military background, and an advocate of the world."
Camacho was like a second father
Camacho was like a second father to Cruz. He inspired Cruz to join the Air Force and retire as a Master Sergeant, just like his uncle.
When Cruz returned to Guam after his military service, his uncle helped him return to the Chamoru culture and find his place.
"We need more people like my Uncle Nash, for those who come back home to Guam" Cruz said. "He made me feel like I had a sense of purpose as a Chamoru and coming back home. He made me feel like I was meant to be here, and be a part of this culture and make it great again."
Camacho will be missed by many other relatives, who looked up to him as a mentor, Cruz said.
"The world lost a good man, a good soul," Cruz said. "But it's heaven's gain and I hope to see him there one day."
Traditional seafarer
Camacho was a brave seafarer, dedicated to reviving the Chamoru traditional practice. He was a board member of the organization TASI: Traditions about Seafaring Islands.
"He was my voyaging brother," said Sandra Okada, president of Traditions Affirming Our Seafaring Ancestry. "We shared a strong passion for reviving and perpetuating traditional seafaring on Guam."
The two seafaring groups were planning a joint voyage through the Marianas during the next sailing season, Okada said.
"I'm deeply saddened that Nash will not be joining us on this voyage," she said.
Camacho and Okada worked closely together as co-chairs for the navigating and seafaring committee at the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts on Guam, and as co-presenters at a seafaring summit in Yap in December 2017.
"Through this process, we've always found these quiet moments with sharing our plans, visions, and reflections, and I'm going to miss it," Okada said. "He's been very passionate, and his masterpiece and legacy is going to live on in the Guam Museum."
Camacho helped create the traditional sakman on display in the Guam Museum, and worked to put together the museum's permanent exhibition.
'His spirit is here'
Since 2015, Camacho worked as a volunteer at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian, according to his close friend park ranger Emily Sablan.
He led tours for visitors and youths at the ancient Chamoru caves and latte village at Ritidian, and loved what he did.
"Ritidian was his haven," Sablan said. "At the refuge, we're experiencing a great loss."
With only a staff of five, losing Camacho as a resource hits hard, Sablan said.
"He wanted to learn every inch of this place," she said. "His spirit is here."
Camacho's loved ones plan to host a traditional seafaring sendoff, or despidida in Chamoru, in August at Ritidian.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 17, 2018.
*****
"Believing in the meaning, power of the Inifresi"
By Michael Lujan Bevacqua
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
One of the first great voyages of humanity
The Matao were ascending the soccer ranks and we both relished the idea of being able to speak to young players who were seeking to take on larger, better financed countries with millions of citizens from which to draw talent. We wove together stories of the first settlers to the Marianas, almost 4,000 years ago. They were the first humans to successfully sail into the open ocean. They carved a path into the unknown sea thousands of years before Europeans did the same. That point of pride is something that those from Guam and the Marianas can always carry with them. One of the first great voyages of humanity will always belong to us.
A week before Nash passed away, we met by chance at the Guam Museum. He was preparing to hang the canoe he had made as part of the permanent exhibit. I had just finished giving a tour to some visitors from off-island. One of the last conversations we had was about the Chamoru pledge, the Inifresi.
Inifresi was always something precious
The Inifresi was always something precious to Nash, as it was written by his older sister Dr. Bernadita Camacho Dungca, who passed away in 2015. He professed frustration at how some local institutions had started using their own English translations and that he wanted to ensure that his sister's intent would not be lost or diluted.
We both saw great power and potential in the pledge. That day at the museum he said to me, "The road to a better island starts there. The young people grow up reciting the words. Once they start to believe them and take them seriously, that's when things will start to get better." Nash was a strong supporter for Guam's independence and believed that the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous island started in protecting and defending the six core elements named in the Inifresi.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 26, 2018.
*****
Photo captions
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho aboard the Ana Varu recently. Camacho sailed out of Taiwan with German sailor and adventurer Burghard Pieske, who planned to sail a traditional Chamorro-style proa from Taiwan to Easter Island, traveling with seafarers from the various Pacific islands across the ocean. The first leg, from Taiwan, was to end in Guam but rough seas took the proa to Palau. (Photo courtesy of Ignacio R. Camacho Family)
Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a nature and cultural volunteer tour guide with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, uses his mobile phone to illuminate an ancient pictograph within one of the Star Caves at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge - Ritidian Unit in Yigo on Friday, July 28, 2017. Camp Shutterbug, a nature photography camp for kids, take budding photographers on hikes to capture images on the refuge. The next sessions are scheduled for Aug. 2 and 4, 2017, according to the Guam National Wildlife Refuge website. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Traditional ocean navigator Ignacio "Nash" Camacho assists the ocean-sailing vessel, Okeanos Marianas, in tying up to the rocks along the shore at the Hagåtña boat basin on Tuesdsay, Nov. 14, 2017. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho, a Traditions About Seafaring Islands member, and codesigner of the Chamoru Sakman outrigger replica canoe "Tasi," talks about his creation during a ceremony at the Guam Museum on June 29, 2017. (Photo by Frank San Nicolas / Pacific Daily News)
Ignacio Rosario Camacho, also known as "Nash" and "Slick" (Familian Bruno / Aragon), was called to eternal rest on July 9, 2018 at the age of 61 years.
Funeral services at the Guam Veterans' Cemetery in Piti were held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 with an inurnment ceremony at 1 p.m.
Rewritten from information published in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on August 2, 2018.
Obituary as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 1, 2018, on page 8.
*****
"Traditional seafarer Ignacio 'Nash' Camacho dies"
By Chloe B. Babauta
Chamoru traditional seafarer, volunteer at the Ritidian wildlife refuge and retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho died earlier this month, according to family members.
Camacho died in his family home in Dededo, according to his nephew Don Cruz of Sinajana.
Camacho was beloved in the local community, and was known for his commitment to perpetuating Chamoru culture. He was also the brother of the late Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, longtime educator and author of the Inifresi (the Chamoru pledge).
While enlisted in the Air Force, Camacho spent years traveling the world, Cruz said.
Camacho returned to his home island of Guam after retiring at his duty station in Europe.
"I've seen the world with him, we've been on adventures together," Cruz said. "He wanted me to come join him, to open my eyes and see there's a big world out there. He was very worldly. He was strong about his culture, strong about his military background, and an advocate of the world."
Camacho was like a second father
Camacho was like a second father to Cruz. He inspired Cruz to join the Air Force and retire as a Master Sergeant, just like his uncle.
When Cruz returned to Guam after his military service, his uncle helped him return to the Chamoru culture and find his place.
"We need more people like my Uncle Nash, for those who come back home to Guam" Cruz said. "He made me feel like I had a sense of purpose as a Chamoru and coming back home. He made me feel like I was meant to be here, and be a part of this culture and make it great again."
Camacho will be missed by many other relatives, who looked up to him as a mentor, Cruz said.
"The world lost a good man, a good soul," Cruz said. "But it's heaven's gain and I hope to see him there one day."
Traditional seafarer
Camacho was a brave seafarer, dedicated to reviving the Chamoru traditional practice. He was a board member of the organization TASI: Traditions about Seafaring Islands.
"He was my voyaging brother," said Sandra Okada, president of Traditions Affirming Our Seafaring Ancestry. "We shared a strong passion for reviving and perpetuating traditional seafaring on Guam."
The two seafaring groups were planning a joint voyage through the Marianas during the next sailing season, Okada said.
"I'm deeply saddened that Nash will not be joining us on this voyage," she said.
Camacho and Okada worked closely together as co-chairs for the navigating and seafaring committee at the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts on Guam, and as co-presenters at a seafaring summit in Yap in December 2017.
"Through this process, we've always found these quiet moments with sharing our plans, visions, and reflections, and I'm going to miss it," Okada said. "He's been very passionate, and his masterpiece and legacy is going to live on in the Guam Museum."
Camacho helped create the traditional sakman on display in the Guam Museum, and worked to put together the museum's permanent exhibition.
'His spirit is here'
Since 2015, Camacho worked as a volunteer at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian, according to his close friend park ranger Emily Sablan.
He led tours for visitors and youths at the ancient Chamoru caves and latte village at Ritidian, and loved what he did.
"Ritidian was his haven," Sablan said. "At the refuge, we're experiencing a great loss."
With only a staff of five, losing Camacho as a resource hits hard, Sablan said.
"He wanted to learn every inch of this place," she said. "His spirit is here."
Camacho's loved ones plan to host a traditional seafaring sendoff, or despidida in Chamoru, in August at Ritidian.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 17, 2018.
*****
"Believing in the meaning, power of the Inifresi"
By Michael Lujan Bevacqua
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
One of the first great voyages of humanity
The Matao were ascending the soccer ranks and we both relished the idea of being able to speak to young players who were seeking to take on larger, better financed countries with millions of citizens from which to draw talent. We wove together stories of the first settlers to the Marianas, almost 4,000 years ago. They were the first humans to successfully sail into the open ocean. They carved a path into the unknown sea thousands of years before Europeans did the same. That point of pride is something that those from Guam and the Marianas can always carry with them. One of the first great voyages of humanity will always belong to us.
A week before Nash passed away, we met by chance at the Guam Museum. He was preparing to hang the canoe he had made as part of the permanent exhibit. I had just finished giving a tour to some visitors from off-island. One of the last conversations we had was about the Chamoru pledge, the Inifresi.
Inifresi was always something precious
The Inifresi was always something precious to Nash, as it was written by his older sister Dr. Bernadita Camacho Dungca, who passed away in 2015. He professed frustration at how some local institutions had started using their own English translations and that he wanted to ensure that his sister's intent would not be lost or diluted.
We both saw great power and potential in the pledge. That day at the museum he said to me, "The road to a better island starts there. The young people grow up reciting the words. Once they start to believe them and take them seriously, that's when things will start to get better." Nash was a strong supporter for Guam's independence and believed that the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous island started in protecting and defending the six core elements named in the Inifresi.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 26, 2018.
*****
Photo captions
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho aboard the Ana Varu recently. Camacho sailed out of Taiwan with German sailor and adventurer Burghard Pieske, who planned to sail a traditional Chamorro-style proa from Taiwan to Easter Island, traveling with seafarers from the various Pacific islands across the ocean. The first leg, from Taiwan, was to end in Guam but rough seas took the proa to Palau. (Photo courtesy of Ignacio R. Camacho Family)
Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a nature and cultural volunteer tour guide with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, uses his mobile phone to illuminate an ancient pictograph within one of the Star Caves at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge - Ritidian Unit in Yigo on Friday, July 28, 2017. Camp Shutterbug, a nature photography camp for kids, take budding photographers on hikes to capture images on the refuge. The next sessions are scheduled for Aug. 2 and 4, 2017, according to the Guam National Wildlife Refuge website. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Traditional ocean navigator Ignacio "Nash" Camacho assists the ocean-sailing vessel, Okeanos Marianas, in tying up to the rocks along the shore at the Hagåtña boat basin on Tuesdsay, Nov. 14, 2017. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho, a Traditions About Seafaring Islands member, and codesigner of the Chamoru Sakman outrigger replica canoe "Tasi," talks about his creation during a ceremony at the Guam Museum on June 29, 2017. (Photo by Frank San Nicolas / Pacific Daily News)
Funeral services at the Guam Veterans' Cemetery in Piti were held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 with an inurnment ceremony at 1 p.m.
Rewritten from information published in the Guam Daily Post (Tamuning, Guam) on August 2, 2018.
Obituary as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on August 1, 2018, on page 8.
*****
"Traditional seafarer Ignacio 'Nash' Camacho dies"
By Chloe B. Babauta
Chamoru traditional seafarer, volunteer at the Ritidian wildlife refuge and retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho died earlier this month, according to family members.
Camacho died in his family home in Dededo, according to his nephew Don Cruz of Sinajana.
Camacho was beloved in the local community, and was known for his commitment to perpetuating Chamoru culture. He was also the brother of the late Bernadita Camacho-Dungca, longtime educator and author of the Inifresi (the Chamoru pledge).
While enlisted in the Air Force, Camacho spent years traveling the world, Cruz said.
Camacho returned to his home island of Guam after retiring at his duty station in Europe.
"I've seen the world with him, we've been on adventures together," Cruz said. "He wanted me to come join him, to open my eyes and see there's a big world out there. He was very worldly. He was strong about his culture, strong about his military background, and an advocate of the world."
Camacho was like a second father
Camacho was like a second father to Cruz. He inspired Cruz to join the Air Force and retire as a Master Sergeant, just like his uncle.
When Cruz returned to Guam after his military service, his uncle helped him return to the Chamoru culture and find his place.
"We need more people like my Uncle Nash, for those who come back home to Guam" Cruz said. "He made me feel like I had a sense of purpose as a Chamoru and coming back home. He made me feel like I was meant to be here, and be a part of this culture and make it great again."
Camacho will be missed by many other relatives, who looked up to him as a mentor, Cruz said.
"The world lost a good man, a good soul," Cruz said. "But it's heaven's gain and I hope to see him there one day."
Traditional seafarer
Camacho was a brave seafarer, dedicated to reviving the Chamoru traditional practice. He was a board member of the organization TASI: Traditions about Seafaring Islands.
"He was my voyaging brother," said Sandra Okada, president of Traditions Affirming Our Seafaring Ancestry. "We shared a strong passion for reviving and perpetuating traditional seafaring on Guam."
The two seafaring groups were planning a joint voyage through the Marianas during the next sailing season, Okada said.
"I'm deeply saddened that Nash will not be joining us on this voyage," she said.
Camacho and Okada worked closely together as co-chairs for the navigating and seafaring committee at the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts on Guam, and as co-presenters at a seafaring summit in Yap in December 2017.
"Through this process, we've always found these quiet moments with sharing our plans, visions, and reflections, and I'm going to miss it," Okada said. "He's been very passionate, and his masterpiece and legacy is going to live on in the Guam Museum."
Camacho helped create the traditional sakman on display in the Guam Museum, and worked to put together the museum's permanent exhibition.
'His spirit is here'
Since 2015, Camacho worked as a volunteer at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian, according to his close friend park ranger Emily Sablan.
He led tours for visitors and youths at the ancient Chamoru caves and latte village at Ritidian, and loved what he did.
"Ritidian was his haven," Sablan said. "At the refuge, we're experiencing a great loss."
With only a staff of five, losing Camacho as a resource hits hard, Sablan said.
"He wanted to learn every inch of this place," she said. "His spirit is here."
Camacho's loved ones plan to host a traditional seafaring sendoff, or despidida in Chamoru, in August at Ritidian.
Rewritten from information published in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 17, 2018.
*****
"Believing in the meaning, power of the Inifresi"
By Michael Lujan Bevacqua
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
Recently the island said farewell to Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a Chamoru cultural advocate, a seafarer and a member of the group TASI. I knew Nash for many years and worked on various projects together, sometimes we debated and disagreed, but I never doubted for a moment his love for the Chamoru people and his determination that they and this island should no longer be bound by the chains of colonization.
One of the first great voyages of humanity
The Matao were ascending the soccer ranks and we both relished the idea of being able to speak to young players who were seeking to take on larger, better financed countries with millions of citizens from which to draw talent. We wove together stories of the first settlers to the Marianas, almost 4,000 years ago. They were the first humans to successfully sail into the open ocean. They carved a path into the unknown sea thousands of years before Europeans did the same. That point of pride is something that those from Guam and the Marianas can always carry with them. One of the first great voyages of humanity will always belong to us.
A week before Nash passed away, we met by chance at the Guam Museum. He was preparing to hang the canoe he had made as part of the permanent exhibit. I had just finished giving a tour to some visitors from off-island. One of the last conversations we had was about the Chamoru pledge, the Inifresi.
Inifresi was always something precious
The Inifresi was always something precious to Nash, as it was written by his older sister Dr. Bernadita Camacho Dungca, who passed away in 2015. He professed frustration at how some local institutions had started using their own English translations and that he wanted to ensure that his sister's intent would not be lost or diluted.
We both saw great power and potential in the pledge. That day at the museum he said to me, "The road to a better island starts there. The young people grow up reciting the words. Once they start to believe them and take them seriously, that's when things will start to get better." Nash was a strong supporter for Guam's independence and believed that the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous island started in protecting and defending the six core elements named in the Inifresi.
Opinion-eulogy as it appeared in the Pacific Daily News (Hagåtña, Guam) on July 26, 2018.
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Photo captions
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho aboard the Ana Varu recently. Camacho sailed out of Taiwan with German sailor and adventurer Burghard Pieske, who planned to sail a traditional Chamorro-style proa from Taiwan to Easter Island, traveling with seafarers from the various Pacific islands across the ocean. The first leg, from Taiwan, was to end in Guam but rough seas took the proa to Palau. (Photo courtesy of Ignacio R. Camacho Family)
Ignacio "Nash" Camacho, a nature and cultural volunteer tour guide with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, uses his mobile phone to illuminate an ancient pictograph within one of the Star Caves at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge - Ritidian Unit in Yigo on Friday, July 28, 2017. Camp Shutterbug, a nature photography camp for kids, take budding photographers on hikes to capture images on the refuge. The next sessions are scheduled for Aug. 2 and 4, 2017, according to the Guam National Wildlife Refuge website. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Traditional ocean navigator Ignacio "Nash" Camacho assists the ocean-sailing vessel, Okeanos Marianas, in tying up to the rocks along the shore at the Hagåtña boat basin on Tuesdsay, Nov. 14, 2017. (Photo by Rick Cruz / Pacific Daily News)
Ignacio R. "Nash" Camacho, a Traditions About Seafaring Islands member, and codesigner of the Chamoru Sakman outrigger replica canoe "Tasi," talks about his creation during a ceremony at the Guam Museum on June 29, 2017. (Photo by Frank San Nicolas / Pacific Daily News)
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