Governor signs Samoan language commission bill

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov Lemanu Peleti Mauga signed into law the Samoan Language Commission Bill on April 5, 2022. This law will establish a Samoan Language Commission in American Samoa, establish both Samoan and English as the official languages in the Territory; and will amend the Languages of Instructions in the A.S.C.A. The event was held virtually via Zoom with various members of the community that have contributed to drafting this bill.

 “We have come a long way to witness this day. Your invaluable efforts, along with many others in the past, has contributed to our on-going quest to preserve our way of life, the fa’asamoa, and to preserve our language. We express our sincerest gratitude to those who have made this day possible,” the governor said.

After Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin and Peseta Tialuga Seloti gave remarks on behalf of the committee, Gov. Lemanu applauded their achievement, and acknowledged a few pioneers of the Samoan Language such as Fofo Sunia and Senator Faiivae Godinet. In his final remarks, he commended the Legislature for their support.

The Commission will consist of 15 members from the following sectors: Head of the Department of Samoa Studies at the American Samoa Community College, Director or Designee from the Department of Education, three clergy members each from different denominations, a Senate member, a House of Representatives member, Secretary of Samoan Affairs, and three individuals from the public at large with demonstrated knowledge and dedication to the language.

One of the principal duties of this Commission will be to promote, preserve and give guidance to the furtherance of the Samoan language.