Trailblazing Samoan matriarch farewelled

Savaii, SAMOA — One of Samoa's trailblazing women, Va'asiliifiti Moelagi Jackson, was farewelled yesterday at a funeral on Savaii.

She died on Wednesday at the age of 77. 

At a time when it was uncommon for women to be bestowed matai titles, Va'asiliifiti was made a high chief at the age of just 22 .

She was a pioneer of eco-tourism, and accrued eight matai titles during a lifetime of service to the community.

She started one of the first hotels in Savaii in 1978, and was one of the first women to head organizations such as Samoa Red Cross.

An accomplished sportswoman in her younger days, Va'asiliifiti later became President of the Savaii Rugby Union.

She is also reported to have worked with former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on indigenous conservation issues.

Va'asiliifiti is survived by seven children, 28 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.