Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 2025 Children’s Samoan Arts Summer Program, created to immerse students in the vibrant cultural heritage of Samoan arts and traditions, concludes after four enriching weeks. Throughout the program, students had fun exploring and receiving hands-on instruction in nearly every facet of Fa'asamoa, deepening their connection to Samoan culture and way of life.

Spearheaded by the American Samoa Arts Council (ASAC), the program was carefully developed to offer a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. Blending traditional storytelling, hands-on crafts, and musical exploration, it offered students a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of Samoan culture while expressing their creativity in a nurturing environment.

Throughout the program, students engaged in a vibrant array of cultural activities, including weaving, wood carving, elei printing, painting, traditional storytelling, singing, and dancing. They also learned to play the ukulele and took part in the preparation of the umu—cooking food in a traditional earth oven—gaining hands-on experience in the living traditions of Fa'asamoa.

According to Arts Council Director Ammon Fepulea'i, they collaborated with several partners, including the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), Samoan Language Commission, Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) and the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE), to facilitate this year's summer program.

“We organized two sessions—one for students from kindergarten through 5th grade, and another for 6th graders through high school seniors,” explained Director Fepulea‘i. “The first session welcomed 120 students, while the second drew 99 participants. Each session spanned two weeks, beginning Monday, June 9, and wrapping up today, Thursday, July 3.”

Workshops on traditional weaving were led by TAOA staff, who guided students through the art of crafting various cultural items—from simple coconut frond plates (ma'ilo) and baskets to finely woven mats made from pandanus leaves.

“In the past, weaving ma'ilo and baskets from coconut fronds was a skill every Samoan boy and girl was expected to learn, as these items were essential to daily life,” shared one of the instructors. “Today, we rely on paper plates and manufactured containers, and this traditional skill is fading among the younger generation. That’s why this summer program is so important because it offers a meaningful way to reconnect our youth with a vital part of their heritage.”

It was confirmed that this vital part of the Arts Council Summer Program will be coordinated by TAOA for the next four years.

Painting traditional sceneries, motifs, and designs—as well as wood carving and elei printing—proved to be another highlight of the program, drawing enthusiastic participation from many students. Under the expert guidance of To'oto'o Tile Tuala-Tama'alelagi, a graduate of Leulumoega College School of Fine Arts in Samoa; former Faga'itua High School arts instructor Terry Lua'ifoa; local artist Leala Hanipale-Kaio; and their dedicated staff, students were introduced to the fundamentals of Samoan visual arts.

“A lot of the students really enjoyed creating their various works of art,” To'oto'o shared. “It was a joy to see their expressions when they saw the final results of their creativity.”

To'oto'o noted that he saw significant artistic potential in several students, emphasizing that such interest should be encouraged and nurtured.

Beyond the visual arts, students also explored the cultural roots of their homeland through storytelling sessions led by staff from the Samoan Language Commission Office. These sessions delved into the origins of names and landmarks across Tutuila and Manu‘a, while also reinforcing the correct usage of the Samoan language.

Traditional and contemporary Samoan music was another vibrant component of the program. Coordinated by Arts Council staff members Paulo Peteru and Douglas Tauese, the music sessions were made especially engaging as students learned to play the ukulele—adding a fun and interactive element to their cultural education.

Dance instruction was led by Bahn Vaofanua, a member of the renowned local troupe Maluali‘i Siva Academy. Students received professional training in traditional Samoan dance forms, including the graceful siva, the synchronized ma‘ulu‘ulu (group dance), and the energetic sasa (slap dance).

A hands-on culinary experience was provided by the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), who conducted a live demonstration on preparing and cooking traditional Samoan food in an ‘umu (earth oven).

“This was certainly an eye-opener for many of the youngsters who hardly get the chance to witness one,” said one of the instructors. “I can confidently say this was one of the highlights of the program—especially when they got to taste the food straight from the ‘umu!”

Arts Council Director Ammon Fepulea‘i expressed his optimism about the program’s impact.

“All in all, this year’s summer program has had a very positive effect on the students. It has revived their interest and pride in their Samoan heritage,” he stated.

 Fepulea‘i also announced a major milestone: the expansion of the program to the Manu‘a Islands—a region often overlooked due to its geographic isolation.]“Our team will be traveling to Manu‘a on July 16 and 17 to bring the program directly to the youth there,” he shared, underscoring the Council’s commitment to cultural access and inclusion across all of American Samoa.