L&L Platform

Overview

Recognizing the significance of language and culture is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of our territory's people. Embracing language and culture is not just about preserving the past but also about nurturing understanding, empathy, and unity in building a more inclusive and harmonious future for all. We have made notable strides since 2021 in promoting and preserving our language and culture.

Language and Arts

• Preserving our language and arts is crucial in maintaining our cultural identity. Decisive actions were taken by the administration to support this endeavor:

• The Samoan Language Commission was established through legislation with an executive office and staff to promote and preserve the use of the Samoan language in various aspects of society.

• The Samoan and English languages are officially the languages to be used in government and public schools. 

• The Director of the SLC is now a member of the Independent State of Samoa Language Commission to work collaboratively on the correct usage of the Samoan grammar and language in general.

• The ASCC Samoan Studies office and the ASDOE, in collaboration with the SLC office, is offering a Samoan certification program for teachers to teaching Samoan language in our public schools. 

• The Samoan Language Commission is providing the independent review and feedback for the revisions of the ASDOE Samoan Studies standards and benchmarks. The commission is in discussion with the CCCAS leaders to align its school standards with that of ASDOE.

• The SLC is working closely with Samoan Affairs, Fono translators, and media personalities on the proper translation of English words into Samoan. 

• The SLC is working to establish a Samoan words data base to support word usage and appropriate translation of words from other languages. 

Samoa Heritage Week

We recognize the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a world that is evolving. Through education, advocacy, and community involvement, we aim to protect and celebrate the rich diversity of our cultural heritage. 

Reinstated the Samoa Heritage Week in Hawaii since 2023 to honor, educate and celebrate the Samoan customs passed on from our forefathers to be treasured for the benefit of future generations.

Education and Awareness

Implemented cultural education programs in schools to remind our students the importance of preserving our cultural heritage:

• Aganuu Samoa in Schools
• Heritage Week

Advocacy and Policy

• Collaborate with government agencies to develop comprehensive strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage, historic properties, and cultural artifacts.

• Lobby for funding to support cultural preservation initiatives, including restoration projects and conservation efforts (e.g. Museum of American Samoa, Historical Archive Board)

Programs and Policy Objectives

Community Engagement: Farmers Market - community involvement; Coastal week - cultural events

Digital Preservation: Developing digital platforms and databases to facilitate research and access to cultural resources

Collaboration and Solidarity: Building partnerships with indigenous communities to ensure their cultural heritage is respected and preserved

Samoan Language Commission: Enacted legislation to create the Samoan Language Commission to promote and preserve the Samoan language.

Utilizing social media and online platforms to raise awareness and engage a wider audience in cultural preservation efforts

Conclusion

Recognizing the significance of language and culture is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of our territory's people. Since 2021, the Lemanu & La’apui administration has made notable strides in promoting and preserving our cultural heritage. From establishing the Samoan Language Commission and ensuring the use of Samoan and English in public schools to reinstating Samoa Heritage Week in Hawaii, these initiatives underscore our commitment to nurturing understanding, empathy, and unity. Through education, advocacy, community engagement, and digital preservation efforts, we aim to protect and celebrate our rich cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our collective identity for future generations.