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.

Samoan Culture: A Tradition that Endures

Samoan culture is among the oldest in Polynesia, believed to have been established by seafaring settlers who arrived from southwest Asia around 3,000 years ago. Over time, a distinct cultural system developed, which we now refer to as fa’asamoa, or the Samoan way. Fa’asamoa remains the heart of Samoan society, representing a set of values that prioritize community, mutual respect, and harmony with nature. These values continue to shape how Samoans interact with one another and how they engage with the world around them.

While fa’asamoa is deeply traditional, it is also adaptable, evolving alongside modern influences while maintaining its core values. This adaptability allows Samoans to embrace aspects of contemporary life, such as education and technology, without losing sight of their cultural heritage.

The Matai System: Leadership Through Service

Central to the fa’asamoa is the matai system, a unique social structure that governs family and village life. A matai is the head of an extended family, or aiga, and holds the responsibility of representing the family in the village council, known as the fono. The matai doesn’t just lead the family—they are entrusted with the care and well-being of the family’s land, resources, and cultural heritage. They are expected to make decisions in the best interest of the aiga, guided by principles of respect, service, and fairness.

Each village consists of several aiga, with their respective matai gathering to form the fono, which governs the community. The highest-ranking matai, known as the ali’i, presides over the fono, with talking chiefs, or tulafale, playing a vital role in communication and decision-making. This system ensures that leadership is collaborative and that all voices in the community are represented through their matai.

 

High Talking Chiefs from Manu'a

NPS

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.

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.

Tradition and Modernity: An Evolving Culture

While Samoans are deeply connected to their traditions, they also embrace modernity in ways that complement their cultural values. Education, commerce, and technology are now integral to Samoan life, but these elements are carefully balanced with the cultural expectations of fa’asamoa. By integrating modern practices without losing their sense of identity, Samoans continue to thrive both culturally and economically, ensuring that their heritage remains relevant for generations to come.