Samoa Language Week Celebrations

On 1 June, Samoans across the globe celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Samoa’s Independence. In Samoa, still reeling from Covid-19, celebrations took place without the usual Teuila Festival that often accompanies Independence Day. Instead Samoa starts 12 months of celebrations and look towards September, when the borders open, for festivities to start. 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who is the chairwoman of the Independence Committee lead a ceremony in Apia by raising the flag of freedom accompanied by a 21-gun salute. This was doubly poignant as Mata’afa’s late father, Fiamē Mataʻafa Faumuina Mulinuʻu II, was the first prime minister of Samoa. 

Samoa was the first Pacific Island to gain independence from New Zealand administration. Over 60 years the Samoan incredible spirit of resilience has been displayed time and again, honed after the many struggles faced during the colonial era. 

Aotearoa boasts a large and rich population of Samoans who proudly celebrated on Independence Day as well as across the week which was Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week. 

During these celebrations PCF held a joint event with TupuToa. Hosted by Vista Entertainment for their staff TupuToa and PCF shared about the work that each does in New Zealand and in the Pacific region. The team from TupuToa shared facts about Samoa, taught some Samoan words and even did a Siva Samoa! TupuToa CEO Anne Fitisemanu and PCF Project Manager David Vaeafe made presentations and then the event finished with everyone sharing delicious taro, chop suey and oka. 

PCF and TupuToa look forward to celebrating each Pacific Language Week over 2022.