Missoula, MONTANA — Peer leaders from Intersections’ Tupulaga Ta’iala Peer Leadership Program were recognized at the first annual ANA ILEAD Youth Summit 2018, which was held at the University of Montana, in Missoula, Montana from July 24-27.

Sponsored by the U.S. Administration for Native Americans’ (ANA) new Native Youth Initiatives for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (ILEAD), the Summit drew more than 100 native youths from 13 tribal and island nations.

Six peer leaders from Intersections’ Ta’iala Program represented American Samoa: Francine Me Ruta Iopu, Rinalyn-Marie Simotuosalaia Fetuao, Emmanuel Iuma Loia, Eti Ueligitone Eti, Tali Tauanu’u, and Dolan Manaiaisiva I’aulualo.

One of the peer leaders, Francine Me Ruta Iopu, a graduate of ASCC and member of the Students’ Association for FaaSamoa (SAFF), received the Outstanding Service Award for serving as a panel member and a member of the Youth Summit Committee that was responsible for identifying speakers, topics, and planning activities. In addition, they were tasked with designing and developing a social media campaign for the Summit. The group met weekly over the past several months to collaborate.

In months leading up to the Youth Summit, Ta’iala peer leaders competed with ANA ILEAD grantees from other states or tribal nations for the graphic image and theme that would guide the inaugural Youth Summit.

Two local peer leaders were named winners: Saniata Leota, an ASCC student and SAFF member, submitted the winning theme; while Emmanuel Iuma Loia, an ASCC graduate, submitted the winning graphic image.

The theme for the Youth Summit 2018 was “Resilient Generation”. Ta’iala peer leaders’ interpretation of the theme is reflected in their youth-created video, “Getting to Know our Hopes and Dreams” which is posted on Intersections’ Facebook page.

“I am pleased to see our young people recognized on a national level for their imagination, creativity, and service leadership,” said Intersections’ Acting Chairman Larry Sanitoa.

The Summit provided tools and inspiration for native youth to connect with each other, learn and grow in their communities that are the source of strength and resiliency in the face of every challenge. “It was a phenomenal week and a powerful exchange among native youth as they shared of their cultural heritage and authenticity,” said Executive Director, Moelili’a Seui, who accompanied the group along with Program Officer, Loso I’aulualo.

Intersections’ Tupulaga Ta’iala Peer Leadership is one of five programs that was funded under the ANA ILEAD program in 2016 with the goal to “increase the number of peer leaders to communicate the benefits of avoiding risky behaviors.”

Tupulaga Ta’iala is a collaboration between Intersections, Inc., ASCC Samoan Studies Institute’s Student Association for FaaSamoa, and the Department of Public Health – Maternal and Child Health Division. The group arrived back in American Samoa on July 31st.

For more information, contact (684) 699-5313.