Welcome to the Office of Samoan Affairs

The OFFICE OF SAMOAN AFFAIRS has earned a 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating high accountability, transparency, and financial health, which suggests they manage their resources effectively for their mission.

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This website is supported by Grant Number 90ZD0009 from the Office of Family Assistance within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Family Assistance.

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!

This year the Office of Samoan Affairs of California marks fifty years of service to our people.

Founded in 1976 in San Francisco to meet the needs of Samoan families newly settled in California, the Office later moved its headquarters to Los Angeles County and has, for half a century, stood with aiga across the South Bay and beyond. From Carson we have sought to strengthen families, walk with those in hardship, and keep fa‘a Samoa—faith, family, and tautua—alive for the next generation.

We give thanks to God for every family, church, partner, and staff member who has carried this work. A fifty-year anniversary is not only a look back. It is a call to take our roots forward: to serve with the same heart that first opened our doors, and to pass language, culture, and Christian hope to our children.

Please join us as we honor this milestone and recommit ourselves to the community we were established to serve. Details of the celebration below.

On behalf of our chairperson, Talalelei Misa, board members and staff, fa‘afetai tele lava for your prayers and support throughout the years. May the Lord bless our aiga and keep us faithful in the years ahead.

Soifua,

June V. Pouesi

Executive Director

OSA 50th ANNIVERSARY PACKET

Opportunity

SPOTLIGHT

OSA Wrap

OSA Wrap 2

Samoan Community

Pacific Community

- Samoan Flag Day Celebration Marks Its 50th Anniversary in Carson, 2026
  Carson, California, once again served as the heart of Samoan cultural life in the United States this summer with the 50th Anniversary of Samoan Flag Day Los Angeles. Held August 1–8, 2026, at Victoria Regional Park, the week-long festival is the original and longest-running Samoan Flag Day celebration in the country, dating back to 1975.
  The event draws tens of thousands from across the Samoan diaspora—uniting families and communities from both American Samoa and the independent nation of Samoa—alongside friends and neighbors from the broader South Bay. Organizers framed this milestone year around the theme “Taking It Back To Our Roots – Toe Fo’i I Lo Tā’ua Fa’avae!” emphasizing cultural preservation, faith, family, and service (tautua).
  Highlights included an international cricket (kilikiti) tournament with teams from places such as Hawaii, Utah, and Australia; vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional dance, music, and Siva Afi (fire knife); authentic Samoan foods; arts and crafts vendors; and community gatherings that keep fa’a Samoa—the Samoan way—alive for younger generations. Performers such as island reggae artist Siaosi appeared during the week, and free admission kept the celebration accessible to all.
  Carson’s deep Samoan roots make the city a natural home for the festival. For half a century the gathering has offered a living expression of heritage rather than a museum display, strengthening identity and community ties in one of the largest Samoan populations outside the islands. As the 50th anniversary drew to a close, it stood as both a joyful reunion and a renewed commitment to passing culture, language, and values forward.

Prime Minister apologizes for 2007 “Heil Hitler” video gesture

TALAMUA

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Fosi Schmidt taking the Oath of Office, 16 September 2025.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised for a historical video in which he used the term “Heil Hitler”.

“I have been made aware of historical video footage reported in the media relating to a private family gathering in Savai’i in 2007,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“The footage shows me using the words ‘Heil Hitler’ and participating in a gesture associated with Nazi Germany in a private family gathering – not intended for the public.

“Whatever the context or intention at that gathering twenty years ago, I recognise that those words and gesture were inappropriate and capable of causing offence and hurt and I apologise for using them,” said.

The statement follows a report by the Samoa Observer newspaper of the video which was taken during a family gathering in Safotu village, Savaii in 2007.

“I reject Nazism, antisemitism, racism and all forms of political extremism,” La’auli said in his statement.

“They do not reflect my personal beliefs, nor the values of the Government or people of Samoa as in the public record of statements I made since becoming Prime Minister.”

He said Samoa is a constitutional democracy founded upon respect for human dignity, the rule of law, its traditional institutions and freedom of expression.

“My government remains committed to those principles.”

“In June this year, we celebrated and honoured our national heroes and leaders who fought and died for our country’s independence from colonial rule. We continue to celebrate the strength of our culture that identify and unite us as a people and as a sovereign and independent nation.

“I respect that those of us who hold public office, and where criticism is justified, we must be prepared to listen and take responsibility.

“Our country faces important economic and social challenges. My responsibility as Prime Minister is to continue the work already laid out to strengthen our economy, creating opportunities for our people and serving all of Samoa.”

The Prime Minister said that he considers the matter is addressed.

Meanwhile, the Samoa Observer has been banned since November 2025 from all government press conferences and events.

Manuia le Lotu Tamaiti, Happy White Sunday

TALANEI

Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula extends heartfelt blessings to all the children of American Samoa as we celebrate White Sunday.

In a message for White Sunday on behalf of Lt Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. and their families, the Governor said, “This cherished occasion brings our families and churches together to celebrate God’s precious gift of children. As you share Scripture, songs, and messages of faith, you remind us of the joy you bring to our lives and the hope you carry for our island home.

“To our children; you are deeply loved. Each of you has gifts to discover, dreams to pursue, and a place in the future of American Samoa. May you grow in faith, wisdom, and kindness, always knowing that your voices matter and that your families and community believe in you. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

“May this White Sunday fill our homes and churches with gratitude, laughter, and love. May God bless every child and every family throughout American Samoa. Happy White Sunday!

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said in her message 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!”

ECONOMY: Samoa

American Samoa's Economic Development Authority announced two new bond series (2025A and 2025B) totaling millions for revenue refunding, amid threats to its fishing economy from climate change, deep-sea mining, and overfishing. A new $9 million Frankie Siusega Supermarket opened on October 25, signaling retail growth.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Health authorities report a surge in influenza and dengue fever cases, with over 200 confirmed dengue infections in the past week alone. Vaccination drives for flu are underway, and vector control measures (e.g., mosquito fogging) are intensified in Apia. In neighboring American Samoa (often covered in tandem due to shared health risks), a dengue outbreak has reached 348 confirmed cases, with sustained transmission.

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When Elon Musk becomes part of Pacific search-and-rescue

Michael J. Field

The rescue of the Solomon Islands ferry Awka highlights the promise of satellite internet, but the disappearance of Vanuatu’s Matui shows why technology alone is no substitute for proper maritime safe

Elon Musk’s Starlink helped save 73 people stranded aboard a disabled Solomon Islands ferry. Weeks earlier, Vanuatu’s Matui disappeared with about 50 aboard. The contrast exposes a hard truth: satellite internet can transform Pacific search-and-rescue, but it cannot replace seaworthy vessels, proper distress beacons, effective regulation and maritime safety.

John Tua and rescue by Starlink

Pacific Islanders rightly celebrate their seafaring heritage across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.

Yet the uncomfortable reality is that too many Pacific people are still dying at sea, often in accidents that should be preventable.

This year has been especially grim, exposing persistent failures in vessel safety, regulation and maritime oversight. Two recent incidents, one ending in apparent tragedy and the other in a remarkable rescue, illustrate both the dangers facing Pacific travellers and the emerging role of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network in keeping them alive.

(You can follow Michael J. Field in Substack.com).

Drought declared in parts of Tonga as El Niño intensifies

RNZ Pacific reporters

Tonga flags in Auckland, Onehunga. — Caption:Tonga Metservice chief climate officer Seluvaia Ilolahia told RNZ Pacific the kingdom is experiencing serious drought conditions.Photo credit:RNZ / Talei Anderson

The Tonga Meteorological Service has declared drought across all major islands that make up the kingdom, including Tongatapu, Niuatoputapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.

Niuafo’ou, a remote northern island, is still on a drought warning, while Vava’u, in the central division, is on a drought alert.

Tonga Metservice chief climate officer Seluvaia Ilolahia told RNZ Pacific the kingdom is experiencing serious drought conditions.

She said the government is working with stakeholders to ensure communities receive vital information and access the support they need.

“The National Disaster Office, we work very close, and they are also very close to other organisations, for example the work Red Cross and other NGOs especially when it comes to responding to the needs of the community. And the also reach out to the islands when they are distributing water.”

She said there has been some rain in Vava’u but in other areas it’s been below average.

The metservice is also reminding people that the impacts of El Niño may continue even after the event has ended.

Ilolahia said warnings will be in place for the next three months.

“El Niño is still very strong and, like the forecast, it’s probably going to peak around November to December.

“But what we want to stress to the community and people to understand are that the impacts might come later, even after the event, we will still feel it.”

Seluvaia Ilolahia said the public is responding very seriously to the warnings being given out.

WMO

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are forecast to increase to record levels during October-November-December 2026, reflecting the strengthening of the El Niño event which will drive weather patterns and impact economies, ecosystems and communities across the globe.

El Niño is already causing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods in various parts of the world.

The monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update from the WMO said that El Niño will continue to intensify ahead of its forecast peak in December.

It is likely to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe and shift rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of drought and floods in different regions.