Welcome to the Office of Samoan Affairs
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Headquarters: 454 E. Carson Plaza Dr. #109, Carson, CA 90746
Sacramento Main Office 2255 Watt Ave., Suite 385 Sacramento, CA 9582
Sacramento Satellite Office 11779 Bagota Way Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
June V. Pouesi, Executive Director
Talofa!
These are challenging times in California. With gas prices and the overall cost of living rising sharply, and the ongoing difficulties facing families across Los Angeles, many in our community are feeling the pressure. We see the extra hours you are working, the sacrifices you are making, and the worry you carry for your families.
Even in these difficult moments, I want to remind you of the strength that defines us as Samoan people. Our Christian heritage has always guided us, teaching us to trust in God, to lean on prayer, and to find hope in His faithfulness. Let us hold fast to our values of aiga (family), fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), and caring for one another. In these trying times, may we draw closer to God and to our families for strength and comfort.
Together, we move onward. This season will pass, and we will emerge stronger as a community. Please know that the Office of Samoan Affairs stands ready to assist you. If you or your family need support, do not hesitate to call our office.
Fa’afetai tele. Be strong, trust in the Lord, take care of one another, and keep moving forward.
June
Samoan Community
Pacific Community
Health Promotes Food & Nutrition Awareness on World Food Safety Day
Locally grown and available vegetables and fruits the Ministry of Health is promoting on the celebration of World Food Safety celebrated this week.
- The Ministry of Health has called for a collective effort to keep food safe and maintain good quality to protect people’s health, supports trade, and help the country grow sustainably.
This week, Samoa is celebrating World Food Safety Day.
The Ministry of Health is partnering with government groups, international organizations like FAO (Food Agriculture Organisation) and WHO (World Health Organisation), and the Food Safety and Nutrition Committee to improve the country’s food systems.
This year’s theme is Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions.
The Health sector explains that the goal is to remind people how important food safety is and encourage the public to think about it in daily life, at work, and in food businesses.
The Ministry of Health says that the celebration’s main activity is to teach the community about safe food handling and good nutrition.
Special lessons will be given to schools to help students learn about proper food safety and healthy eating.
The Health sector activities will also focus on making sure food importers follow the rules, especially when it comes to food standards and banning the marketing of infant formula to protect young children.
The Ministry of Health hopes to create a culture of safety and awareness with these key goals:
- Teach food business owners about the WHO 5 Keys to Safer Food, giving simple tips to prevent food- related illnesses.
- Provide clear information about food laws, especially for imported food and the restrictions on marketing breastmilk substitutes like infant formula.
- Host an annual awards event to recognize schools that do well in food safety and nutrition.
- Get the Community Involved: Organize a fun run and walk event to encourage physical activity and raise awareness about healthy living.
Through these activities, Samoa hopes to create a safer and healthier food environment for everyone.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that food safety is a team effort where individuals, families, and the community all play a part.
The Samoans shifting diet from locally available natural to imported foods is playing a major part in the rapid and high increase of people suffering from non- communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, gout, diabetes and kidney failure affecting even teenagers undergoing renal treatment and putting a strain on medical resources.
Samoan brothers to compete in Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest Grand Final
Three Pacific opera singers are set to take centre stage in Wellington as finalists in the 2026 Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest Grand Final.
Samoan brothers Faamanu and Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Tongan Samuel Mataele make up half of the six finalists.
The other three finalists are Cecily Shaw, Samuel Downes and Sarah Mileham.
The six are competing for one of New Zealand’s most prestigious classical music honours.
The Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest (formerly known as the Lexus Song Quest and Mobil Song Quest) returns to Te Whanganui-a-Tara for its 70th year with the Grand Final Gala with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra taking place on Saturday 11 July 2026 at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the Song Quest, the legacy continues as the finalists sing it out for the winning title and and a share of NZD$95,500 in prizes before International Head Judge, acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Frederica von Stade.
The competition, first established in 1956 as the Mobil Song Quest has launched the careers of many of New Zealand’s iconic opera singers, including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Amitai Pati, Filipe Manu, and Jonathan Lemalu.
For Tawhiri co-director Tama Waipara, seeing three Pacific people in this years finals reflects the bright future of opera across the region.
“Just to hear the splendor of our Pacific voices really celebrated where they should be, and heading absolutely toward that world stage.. it’s a credit to our culture and our people.”
He said Pacific performers have long left their mark on classical music, and attributed cultural storytelling to why Pacific opera singers stand out.
“I found myself completely just captured by their storytelling. It’s not only the beauty of the sound and the technique and how powerful the voices and how soft and dynamic their musicianship is… But it’s the storytelling.”
“Culturally we are storytellers and people of the moana are used to carrying those histories and those stories in quite remarkable ways.”
Samuel Matele
Samuel Mataele singing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest 2026 Semi-Finals
Hagen Hopkins
At 19 years old, counter-tenor Samuel Matele, was shocked to reach the the finals.
The Tongan said it is a huge honour to perform in a competition that has fostered some of Pacific opera’s greatests.
As one of three Pacific islanders in the final, he is representing his Tongan heritage with pride.
“I’ve been wanting to see more Pacific Island representation in classical music. And of course we have the great names like Amitai Pati and Sol3 Mio and Jonathan Lemalu. But to see it in such a grand scale, so many of us in one competition is inspiring.”
Matele hopes seeing so many Pacific singers in the final will inspire others across the region to pursue a career in what he says is “traditionally a very Western art.”
“Opera is part of Western culture, and therefore we sometimes feel like we’re a bit segregated from it, but I think having so much Pacific representation at this competition this year will show the younger Pacific Islanders like me that it is possible to have a career pathway in opera or classical music.”
“I think this not only encourages people to come into opera, but into any field that one might feel is too niche for them. I think this is really an eye opener that any career, even as set aside from from Pacific culture as it may seem, is possible.”
Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers
Jordan and Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono singing at the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest 2026 Semi-Finals
Hagen Hopkins
The Fonoti-Fuimaono brothers are also embracing the moment.
Three of the brothers made the semi-finals but now just two in the finals – but there is only room for one winner.
But baritone Faamanu said this hasn’t created rivalry, but rather given them an advantage in the competition.
“We have rivalries in all other aspects of life, but never in singing. I think singing is hard enough and exposing enough as it is, and can be a really scary thing to do. So I think when it comes to singing, we just support each other, and that’s how we’ve got as far as we have in our early careers.”
For Faamanu, just entering the competition alongside his brothers Alfred and Jordan is something to celebrate in its own.
Tenor Jordan said they grew up knowing the competitions reputation and are grateful to now be a part of its history.
“We were so excited because we grew up knowing about this competition, this prestigious Song Quest… But the fact that we’re in the finals and it’s the inaugural Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest is what makes it extra special. She’s such an iconic person in the industry.”
“While we are feeling the pressure, we are also reminding ourselves to stop and remember how blessed we are to be here.”
They said seeing half the finalists come from Pacific backgrounds is “pretty epic” and they look forward to representing their cultures with pride on Saturday night.
Waipara believes competitions like these play an important role in helping young artists realise their potential.
“The competition is a stepping stone, it’s not the destination by any means, it’s just a means to launch and platform the next step for these young performers… for them to realize their dreams.”
ECONOMY: Samoa
HEALTH CONCERNS
Pacific filmmakers earn a seat at the Academy Awards voting table
A Tongan-New Zealand film-maker and Sāmoan director have been invited to join the Academy behind the Oscars.
“After it being actually confirmed, it’s just such an amazing opportunity. I just feel really blessed. Hopefully we get to have more of a voice and input into that kind of global market scene.
“There are big productions like Chief of War and Disney where Hollywood has recognised that Pasifika storytelling is on the rise. This kind of confirms that as well. For all of us, it’s kind of giving us a seat at the table.”
Mafile’o has spent more than 20 years telling Pacific stories through film. Her work includes the acclaimed documentary For My Father’s Kingdom, the Sundance-selected short Lea Tupu’anga – Mother Tongue, and her latest documentary Lomu, celebrating the life and legacy of rugby great Jonah Lomu.
She is also taking Lomu directly to communities across New Zealand and Tonga before its cinema release, saying Pacific audiences should be the first to see stories that reflect their lives.
“As we start to make more and more of our films, it’s really important for distributors and producers to know that we need to be making for our people first.
“So taking Lomu back and having a free public screening before the New Zealand premiere and before it goes into cinemas is really quite a unique opportunity and hasn’t been done before.”
Joining Mafile’o in the academy’s 2026 class is Tamasese, whose debut feature, The Orator – O Le Tulafale, made history as New Zealand’s first submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Shot entirely in the Sāmoan language with an all-Sāmoan cast, the film represents a major milestone as New Zealand’s first-ever entry into the best foreign-language film category at the Academy Awards.
Tamasese followed this success with One Thousand Ropes, a powerful character drama exploring universal themes of family and redemption. His invitation to the directors branch further highlights the rising prominence of authentic Pacific voices in world cinema.
This year’s academy invitations include 95 Oscar nominees and 21 winners. Women make up 42 per cent of the new intake while 56 per cent come from underrepresented communities, and 53 per cent hail from 60 countries and territories outside the United States.
Pacific filmmakers are part of the 529 artists and executives invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2026. Photo/Unsplash
The academy’s selection process for its 19 branches relies strictly on sponsorship rather than direct application.
Academy Award nominees receive automatic consideration, while other candidates require sponsorship from two existing members within their specific branch.
In a press release, Bill Kramer, the Chief Executive of the academy, and Lynette Howell Taylor, the President of the academy, express great enthusiasm for the incoming class.
They say they are delighted to invite the remarkable group of film professionals from around the world.
Caring for Samoan Elderly: Evidence-Based Guide to Common Ailments (Sources: Samoa Ministry of Health guidelines and peer-reviewed studies as of 2026)
Samoan older adults (typically 60+) face a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to lifestyle, diet, genetics, and aging. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity-related complications are leading causes of illness and death in Samoa and American Samoa. Nearly 1 in 3 adults has diabetes, with even higher rates of overweight/obesity (often over 80-90%). Awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low, so regular check-ups are essential.
1. Diabetes (Sugar Disease / Ma’i Suka)
Type 2 diabetes is extremely common and often leads to complications like poor wound healing, vision loss, kidney issues, and nerve pain in the elderly. Management tips (per Samoa Diabetes Management Guideline 2024):
- Monitor blood sugar regularly (HbA1c every 3-6 months; target often <7-7.5% for older adults to avoid hypoglycemia risks).
- Adopt a balanced diet low in refined sugars and processed foods — emphasize local staples like taro, fish, vegetables, and moderate portions.
- Stay active with gentle walking or light gardening; aim for 150 minutes/week if possible.
- Take prescribed medications (e.g., metformin) consistently and attend regular clinic visits.
- Watch for foot care to prevent ulcers.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Often silent but a major driver of strokes and heart disease. Prevalence rises sharply with age. Evidence-based steps:
- Target BP usually <140/90 mmHg (or <130/80 if diabetic and tolerated).
- Reduce salt intake (limit processed foods and added salt).
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
- Use prescribed medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers) as directed — do not stop suddenly.
- Regular monitoring at clinics or with home devices.
3. Arthritis, Joint Pain & Inflammation
Common due to wear-and-tear, obesity, and prior injuries. Helpful approaches:
- Gentle exercise (swimming, walking, or seated movements) to maintain mobility.
- Weight management to reduce joint stress.
- Traditional Samoan matalafi (Psychotria insularum) leaf extract has shown anti-inflammatory effects comparable to ibuprofen in studies (reduces cytokines via compounds like rutin). Use under guidance from a traditional healer (taulasea) or doctor.
- Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief as needed; physical therapy or massage (fofo) can help.
4. Other Common Issues in Samoan Elders
- Heart disease & stroke risk — Control cholesterol with statins (often recommended for diabetics over 40) and manage all NCD risks together.
- Obesity & related problems — Focus on lifelong healthy eating and activity; family support is key in Samoan culture.
- Vision/hearing loss, frailty & falls — Annual checks, home safety modifications, and balanced nutrition (calcium/vitamin D for bones).
- Mental health & isolation — Stay connected through family, church, and community activities.
General Recommendations for Families & Caregivers
- Encourage regular health screenings at district hospitals or clinics (Samoa MoH promotes PEN Fa’a Samoa for NCDs).
- Combine Western medicine with safe traditional practices where evidence supports (e.g., matalafi for inflammation; consult professionals to avoid interactions).
- Promote family-based care: shared meals, physical activity, and emotional support align with fa’a Samoa.
- Prevent complications through medication adherence, foot care, and early reporting of symptoms.
- Seek government or community elderly support programs for additional help.
Important disclaimer: This is general information based on public health data and guidelines. It is not personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor, nurse, or traditional healer working with modern care for individual needs. Early detection and consistent management can greatly improve quality of life.
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