People

Samoan youth perform the siva Samoa.

NPS photo.

The Heart of American Samoa: Its People and Culture

The people of American Samoa are deeply rooted in Polynesian heritage, tracing their lineage back over 3,000 years. Nearly all inhabitants are indigenous Samoans, making this archipelago one of the most tradition-oriented places in the Pacific. Samoans follow a way of life called fa’asamoa, which emphasizes family, respect for elders, and community collaboration, principles that have been upheld for centuries and continue to guide their daily lives today.

 

The Fa’asamoa: A Way of Life

Fa’asamoa, or the Samoan way, is the foundation of Samoan culture and society, providing a framework of customs, social practices, and values that guide the daily lives of the people of American Samoa. This cultural system is deeply rooted in a sense of community, mutual respect, and the importance of family, known as aiga. It is a living tradition that has adapted over the centuries, yet remains one of the oldest and most enduring cultures in Polynesia.

At its core, fa’asamoa emphasizes respect for elders, a communal approach to living, and the prioritization of familial and community ties. In Samoan culture, the family is not limited to the nuclear family but extends to the aiga, which includes a broad network of relatives connected by blood, marriage, or adoption. The aiga forms the bedrock of Samoan society, creating a strong sense of belonging and responsibility to one’s extended family.

Respect, known as fa’aaloalo, is a cornerstone of fa’asamoa. This respect extends not only to elders and family members but also to cultural traditions and the natural environment. Elders are revered as the keepers of wisdom and custodians of cultural knowledge, and they are central to the decision-making process within families and villages. This hierarchical respect ensures that Samoan customs and practices are passed down through generations, preserving the integrity of the culture.

The Matai System: Leadership Through Service

Integral to the fa’asamoa is the matai system, which governs both family and village life. The matai, or chief, is the head of the aiga and is responsible for leading the family with wisdom and humility. The role of the matai is not just a position of authority but one of service. A matai is entrusted with the welfare of the family and must ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of all members. This leadership structure is built on the values of fa’asamoa, where collaboration, consensus, and respect are key to maintaining harmony.

Each village is composed of several aiga, each led by its respective matai. The matai represents the family in the village council, or fono, which governs the village. The fono is a collective body of matai, where important decisions about the community’s welfare, resources, and conflicts are made. Leadership within the fono is based on rank, with the highest-ranking matai, known as the ali’i, presiding over the council. Supporting the matai in governance are the tulafale, or talking chiefs, who act as advisors and communicate decisions to the wider community.

The matai system ensures that the interests of the aiga are represented and protected. It fosters a culture of shared responsibility, where each family contributes to the welfare of the village. The matai does not act alone but is supported by the collective wisdom of the fono, ensuring that decisions are made with consideration for the common good.

Family and Community: The Foundation of Samoan Life

In Samoa, family is the cornerstone of society. The aiga is more than just the nuclear family—it includes all relatives connected by common ancestry, creating a strong, interconnected support system. Elders in the aiga are highly respected, as they carry the wisdom of past generations and ensure the continuity of cultural practices.

Communal living is also a key aspect of fa’asamoa. The concept of sharing resources, responsibilities, and labor is central to Samoan life. Whether fishing, farming, or preparing food, these activities are often done collectively, strengthening bonds within the village and ensuring that all members contribute to and benefit from the community’s success.

The Fono: Community Governance

The fono, or village council, plays an essential role in Samoan governance. Comprised of all the matai from the village’s aiga, the fono makes decisions on matters of importance to the village, from dispute resolution to the enforcement of laws and customs. The fono operates through consensus, with the ali’i providing leadership, while tulafale (talking chiefs) assist in facilitating communication.

Each village also has a pulenu’u, a leader responsible for day-to-day management, somewhat similar to a mayor or police chief. The collaboration between the pulenu’u, the fono, and the villagers ensures that Samoan customs and traditions are upheld while maintaining harmony within the community.

Punishments for infractions are typically handled within the village and are based on restorative principles, emphasizing reconciliation and the restoration of balance within the community. This system reflects the deeply ingrained belief in collective responsibility, where the actions of one individual can impact the well-being of the entire community. Therefore, maintaining social order is seen as a shared obligation.

The Land and Its People: An Inseparable Bond

For Samoans, the land is more than a resource—it is a part of their identity. Land in Samoa is communally owned by the aiga, and this connection to the land has been preserved through centuries of tradition. The land cannot be sold or transferred outside the family, reinforcing the belief that the land is to be cared for and passed down to future generations.

This deep respect for the land is reflected in how Samoans manage their natural resources. Traditional subsistence practices, such as fishing and farming, are done with an eye toward sustainability, ensuring that the land continues to provide for the community while maintaining its ecological balance.

The Enduring Spirit of Fa’asamoa

Fa’asamoa is more than just a set of customs; it is a living cultural philosophy that adapts while preserving the essence of Samoan identity. Even in the face of modernization and external influences, Samoans continue to honor their traditions, ensuring that the values of fa’asamoa—respect, family, service, and community—remain central to their way of life.

While education, commerce, and technology have become integral to modern Samoan society, these advancements are embraced in ways that complement the principles of fa’asamoa. This balance between tradition and modernity is one of the great strengths of Samoan culture, allowing it to thrive in the contemporary world without losing its sense of self.

In American Samoa, fa’asamoa continues to guide the people in their daily lives, shaping their interactions, governance, and relationship with the land. Visitors to American Samoa can witness the enduring spirit of fa’asamoa in the strong familial ties, the respect shown to elders, and the communal approach to living that defines Samoan society.