On New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31st, a book of salutations, Tusi Faalupega, for Tutuila and Manu’a was launched in a ceremony at the Tufele Li’amatua Fale Tele in Utulei
This is the first Tusi Faalupega specifically for American Samoa.
It’s the book of traditional salutation specific to each village and district.
The book was funded with a $50,000 grant from the Office of Insular Affairs, Department of Interior and carried out by the Office of Samoan Affairs.
A committee headed by Vaiutusala Dr. Mataese Samuelu was in charge of the research and compilation of the Tusi Faalupega.
Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga said the book is a gift for the younger generation as it records the honorifics for each village of American Samoa.
He thanked the Secretary of Samoan Affairs and the Committee tasked with the Tusi Faalupega Project for their efforts.
Only a few copies of the book were available on Thursday and the Governor noted that the project is not quite completed. The copies distributed were stapled instead of blinded.
The governor said he wanted to launch the book now to illustrate the efforts of the Office of Samoan Affairs to preserve our cultural heritage. He urged the Secretary Mauga Tasi Asuega and District Governors to complete the book.
Rev Ioane Evagelia of the Utulei CCCAS blessed the book while Miss American Samoa Epifania Petelo and students of the American Samoa Community College performed an ava ceremony for the guests.
Chief Justice Lealaialoa Michael Kruse, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, First Lady Cynthia and nearly all department directors witnessed the book launch.
