Samoan treasures share their wealth of knowledge and wisdom

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Their Highnesses Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi and Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese took time out during their recent visit to the territory to meet with the Governor’s office staff last week Monday, April 3.

Tui Atua reminisced about his experience the previous weekend when he stepped foot on Manu’a’s sacred lands for the first time, sharing that he would not forgive himself if he did not pay his respects and tribute to the ancestors and the people of Manu’a.

A press release from the Governor’s Office quotes Tui Atua saying, “Manu’a is dear to my heart.”

He told staffers about his ties to Manu’a and that Masiofo Filifili’s parents served as pastors in Tau, Manu’a.

The couple also gave their perspective on the retention of the Samoan language, preserving the Samoan culture, climate change, leadership, and Tui Atua’s writings.

Tui Atua talked about the importance of youth and parents’ responsibility to work together, based on one of his special remarks presented to the Catholic Youth of Samoa in Apia entitled after a Samoan proverb, “ O le I’a iti’iti le Igaga, ae a’ea afu loloto”.

He also discussed the relationships and having an appreciation for our environment, while reminding youth there will be challenges, but to persevere through life’s hurdles.

Tui Atua exemplified his mau — “Aua ne’i taofi sa”, sharing the wealth of knowledge and wisdom with the next generation.

“When we pass on, the next generation will tell these stories”, he said.

The discussion concluded with singing and listening to the songs of the village of Asau, Savaii as they tell the stories of Tui Atua’s lineage.