While Samoan Language Week (Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa) is celebrated from May 31 to June 6, OPIT ran an evening of activities last Friday as part of their regular fortnightly activities.
The theme for this year is “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u” — From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.”
OPIT chief executive Mata’aga Hana Fanene-Taiti said there were “a variety of proverbs, spiritual and religious, environmental and historical references that connect us to this theme which can have different meanings and symbolism for different people”.
The evening included OPIT chairwoman Maiele Paia, of Samoan, Tuvaluan and Niuean descent, and Alosina Willetts, delivering the cultural programme.
Ms Fanene-Taiti said the evening’s activities included the sharing of Samoan legends, history, language and interactive stations where children and families took part in screen printing Samoan patterns and designs.
Attendees also learnt Samoan songs and music, took part in “valu le popo” or scraping a coconut, and tasted Samoan cuisine such as pani popo, a beloved traditional Samoan dish made of sweet, fluffy yeast rolls baked in a creamy coconut sauce, koko Samoa (hot chocolate), sapasui (Samoan chop suey) and fa’alifu taro (taro with coconut cream).
It was a great evening for families to participate and learn more about Samoan culture and heritage, Ms Fanene-Taiti said.
“A number of our children are New Zealand-born and increasing of mixed heritage and a number of us are on a journey to continue to learn and strengthen our cultural knowledge.
“Celebrating and acknowledging our Pacific language weeks acts as a protective factor for us to help build our resilience, identity, and grounds us through our Samoan and Pacific values and we use this to anchor our work in our community,” she said.
Ms Fanene-Taiti encouraged people to try saying a few words in Samoan this week.
As part of the week’s celebrations there was also a luncheon and special cultural display at the OPIT hub.
