Blog

When I was growing up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne in the 80s and 90s I always felt like I didn't fit in. We lived in a predominantly palagi (white) area and did not have any access to Samoan churches or programs near by. As teenagers it was easier to ignore my mother's attempts to teach us Samoan. When we did go visit Samoan communities they spoke Samoan and had an understanding of Samoan culture. Then I felt left out again. I spent a year in Samoa, no I was not bad, and I wanted to learn more. I...

I watched Moana 2. I have so many thoughts running through my mind. When I watched the original Moana I was just so excited to see Pacific people on the screen, even if in cartoon form read the blog I wrote. I have grown and my mindset has changed a little since then. I no longer want to settle for representation I want to have our names pronounced correctly, I want negative stereotypes of Pacific people to be replaced by authentic stories, I want our Pacific people to be known for more than just a cartoon, rugby or wrestling. So,...

Language is the heart of any culture. For Samoans, our language—Gagana Samoa—is not just a means of communication but a vessel for our history, values, and sense of belonging. In a world where English is dominant, especially for many Samoans who live abroad, preserving and celebrating Gagana Samoa is essential for staying connected to our roots. Here, we’ll explore the powerful role language plays in embracing Samoan identity and practical ways to keep our language alive and thriving. Why Gagana Samoa Matters1. Language as a Link to Our History Gagana Samoa holds the stories of our ancestors, the wisdom of...