A Tribute to Sāmoan men and women of the Mau
Sāmoa celebrated 60 years of independence on the 1st of June 2022. The Australian Museum celebrates alongside Sāmoans as they reach this milestone. This video series was created and will be released throughout the month of June in celebration. Through interviews with well-respected Sāmoan people, we learn important history about Sāmoa’s fight for independence.
Viia lava le Alii i le Mau, tatou tua’ā sa taumafaia le Mau. Lea ua mafai ona maua ai le sa’olotoga e le gata foi ia te au, ia ao tua’ā aemaise foi o le fanau lea olo’o ola mai le latou fo’i vaitaimi. Glory to God for the Mau and paying tribute to our Ancestors who were part of the movement. Our people have gained freedom today and for every generation to come. Fa’agalu Dominic Taeoalii Fonoti
Our second guest is Fa’agalu Dominic Taeoalii Fonoti from the Sāmoan villages of Satalo in Falealili. Fa’agalu is Sāmoan Cultural Advisor, Entertainer and renowned Sāmoan ambassador who has travelled internationally to promote Sāmoa’s tourism industry through traditional dances.
© Junior Meredith
Some highlights of his career include leading the dance groups for the World Expo 1988, and leading the Siva Tau (War Dance) for the Manu Sāmoa rugby team during the World Cup in ‘91 with Wales and many times after. He expressed his highest gratitude and appreciation to the founding Ancestors who paved the way for independence, and he shares the importance for Sāmoan’s to uphold Fa’a Samoa culture and traditions wherever we are in the world.
© Junior Meredith
Fa'afetai tele lava for watching our series "Fa’amanatuina o le 60 Tausaga o le Tuto’atasi o le Malo o Sāmoa. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Sāmoa’s Independence".
Special Guest: Fa’agalu Dominic Taeoalii Fonoti
Camera Operator: Arran Rogers
Sāmoan Translation Subtitles: John Lemoa and Samantha Rogers
