ILIILI CHRISTENS NEW FAUTASI & DEDICATES FAUTASI SHED

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Saturday morning, March 16, 2024, the village of Iliili dedicated their new fautasi shed and christened their new fautasi in a formal cultural ceremony.
The ceremony began with a formal greeting and was followed by a sauniga lotu, with prayers, blessings and a sermon given in celebration of the two special occasions — the dedication and the christening.

During the ceremony, Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga delivered special remarks; Leoititi Maselino Ioane, the master boatbuilder offered reflections on his work, and was followed by Monsignor Viane Etuale speaking of the village’s efforts to bring these projects to fruition.

First Lady Mrs. Ella F. Mauga officially cut the ribbon, dedicating the new shed, and the new fautasi — Lupelele — was christened by Fathers Petelo Auva’a and Pio Afu.

Western District Governor Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet had the honor of ‘tata’eina o le  niu’ for the Lupelele with the ‘ufiufi’ of the fautasi removed by Suapilimai R. Suapilimai, Mafatau Kelemete, Fa’afeai A’asa, Sean Tumanuvao and So’oalo Fa’afetai Tupua.

The ceremony ended with a feast and acknowledgement through gift giving to invited guests.

A side note: Maselino has now built 14 fautasi, which includes the Lupelele. Other boats include the Fuaō, Paepaeulupo'o, Sinapiaoa and God is Great. He has said he believes that there are three essential factors that you need to win: fit rowers; a good captain; and, a light and strong fautasi.