Bear Rock, Inalåhan, 1979

This name for this iconic rock in Inalåhan is relatively new. Like other sites such as Camel Rock, it was given a new name after the arrival of the United States, who used animals or ideas that they were more familiar with to rename things. These names unfortunately can replace and erase the older CHamoru names and stories for how that name was given.

There are still some people in Inalåhan who remember these older names for Bear Rock. The bay itself is called Agfayan Bay, while the rock is called “Laso’ Giai” by some. What exactly Laso’ Giai means or refers to is something still open for interpretation and discussion.