Governor nominates first Samoan Language Commission members

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Just over a year since the establishment by law of the Samoan Language Commission of American Samoa, Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga has submitted to the Fono for confirmation the eleven members of the commission.

Also submitted to the Fono for review and approval, is legislation to correct a typographical error in the initial law, to reflect that there are 11 members, and not 15 — as outlined in the original language of the law.

Both measures were introduced in the Senate yesterday and assigned to the Senate Education Committee, which is holding a hearing next week Monday on both issues.

In his Mar. 30, letter to the Fono leaders, the governor submitted the names of Aiono Okenaisa Fauolo, Education director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli, Deacon Malaki Timu, Rev. Vaimoli Kuresa, Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata, Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, Deputy Samoan Affairs Secretary Tauese V. Sunia, Rep. Manavaalofa T. Manase, former Education director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, Milaneta Tinitali and Paopao Kuresa.

The governor’s letter states in part that the “first eight members are appointed because their positions include knowledge and dedication to the Samoan language.”

For nominee Vaitinasa, the governor said she has “demonstrated knowledge and dedication to the Samoan language”, when as Education Department director — a few years ago — “she advocated for teaching the Samoan language to our youth.”

“She also advocated for the establishment of this commission and its mission to establish Samoan as an official language of instruction in public schools,” the governor said.

He also said that Mrs. Tinitali — as director of Early Childhood Education — “has knowledge of the benefits and challenges of instilling the Samoan language early in childhood education.”

According to the governor, Paopao Kuresa - as representative from the Manu’a islands, “can provide insight to the different dialects and approaches to the Samoan language offered by the people of Manu’a.”

The Fono was also informed that the appointment of Fauolo, Rev. Asiata, Tauese and Vaitinasa is for 4 years; Talauega, Deacon Timu, Sen. Fai’ivae and Kuresa Paopao will serve 3 years; and Rev. Vaimoli Kuresa, Rep. Manase and Mrs. Tinitali will serve two years.

Current law states that members of the Commission shall include three individuals from the public at large with demonstrated knowledge and dedication to the Samoan language as well as representatives from:

•           American Samoa Community College head of the Department of Samoan Studies;

•           Department of Education, either the director or the director’s designee;

•           three separate clergies.

•           Senate

•           House of Representatives; and

•           Secretary of Samoan Affairs.

For the bill to correct the typographic error in the number of Commission members, the governor informed Fono leaders that one provision of current law states that the Commission shall consist of 15 members, but another provision establishes staggered terms for 11 members and describes the qualification for 11 members.

According to the governor, the Administration bill corrects the number to 11 members and deletes 15.