Overview:
Koror's council of senior female clan leaders has spoken: Gloria Gibbons Salii is, and remains, the Bilung of Koror. In a signed statement, the 10 matriarchs of the Koror Kerngab pushed back against a June 1 notice claiming the title had been stripped from Salii, making clear that no such action holds standing under the council's authority.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — The Koror Kerngab, the council of 10 senior female leaders who serve as counterparts to the Ngarameketii, Koror’s traditional council of chiefs, is standing firm: Gloria Gibbons Salii has been and remains the Bilung of Koror and head of the Kerngab since 1975.
In a joint statement, the matriarchs of Koror’s 10 clans declared, in Palauan, that Salii continues to hold the Bilung title and leads the Kerngab to this day.
The statement was signed by Bilung Gloria Salii, Mirair Yuriko Materne, Dirremengiau Yoko Woodcock, Techekii Uroi Salii, Smooch Ucheriang Derbai, Tmikou Grace Yano, Ochob Rachel Becheserrak, Uodelchadremengangd Akilina Maech, Ucheliou Irene Fransico and Tngesik Risong Saito.
The Kerngab’s statement came in direct response to a notice published June 1 by a group identified as the “Ourrot ra Idid,” which claimed to have removed the Bilung title from Salii on the grounds that she was no longer able to fulfill its responsibilities. The Kerngab rejected that claim outright, reaffirming Salii’s standing as both Bilung of Koror and head of the council.