Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It will be a busy weekend in American Samoa as residents gear up for White Sunday, the centerpiece of a 3-day holiday that ends with Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples Day, on Monday.

WHITE SUNDAY

Introduced in the islands by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, White Sunday has become a special holiday, with children treated to the best — from White Sunday outfits to food served during family toanai. It is always celebrated on the second Sunday of October and children are treated as kings and queens for their day. 

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement for White Sunday: 

“Together as a people, we look forward to this special Sunday featuring the children of our islands, knowing they are a gift and heritage to us directly from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). This happy occasion also serves as a reminder to hold to our faith throughout every age of life
“Although my role as a Congresswoman fills most of my time day to day, my roles as a Christian, and as a mother and grandmother will always be even more important. These are God-given roles and blessings. I will be enjoying the wonderful children of our islands on White Sunday through the eyes and heart of a mother and grandmother. 
“We thank God for the children of our islands, their bright futures, and God’s good plan for their lives. On this White Sunday, we entrust our youth to our Heavenly Father’s blessing, knowing that ‘the Lord takes pleasure in his people’ (Psalm 149:4). Have a joyful White Sunday!”

White Sunday is also celebrated in other parts of the world where Samoan communities are located, such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Zealand.

As usual, police are beefing up road patrols today and tomorrow because of the expected traffic, and are calling on drivers to watch out for pedestrians, especially young children. 

Local stores, bakeries and other merchants are preparing for White Sunday shopping with clothes, food and beverages. Lots of ice cream, in a variety of flavors is available in stores, as well as cakes and pies from local bakeries. 

Samoa News staff and management wish all the children of the world a day, such as our White Sunday, filled with special moments of loving-kindness, celebrating our children as gifts of God. 

COLUMBUS DAY/ INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula has declared this coming Monday, Oct 12, 2026 as a government holiday in American Samoa — Columbus/ indigenous People’s Day — where all government offices will be closed, including the territorial bank.

As per usual for federal holidays, only essential employees will be required to perform services on that day and will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The governor urged in his general memorandum, “Please take this opportunity to rest and spend meaningful time with family and loved ones. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.”  He also thanked government employees for their continued service and dedication to the people of American Samoa. 

Indigenous People’s Day has been federally recognized as a federal holiday along with Columbus Day — beginning in 2020 — with the Biden Administration proclaiming the second Monday in October a “day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.” 

The US post office and all federal and ASG offices will be closed on Monday, with most businesses celebrating the day also — with grocery stores and gas stations usually the only businesses staying open on that day. Samoa News will not publish on Monday and the office will be closed so staff can enjoy the long holiday weekend with their families.

Have a safe and happy 3-day weekend American Samoa!