The faamatai system is a long-standing tradition in the Samoan islands.

Throughout my childhood, I wasnt raised within the Samoan culture.

Like many immigrants, my moms thought was “Do as the Romans do.”

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The fa’amatai system is a long-standing tradition in the Samoan islands. And while there aren’t many women who hold matai (chief) titles, I’m happy to say I come from a family that respects the leadership of women.

Or in this case, do as the Americans do.

Did that mean we had a typical American upbringing?

In a sense, yes, but in a sense, no.

A shirtless man wearing traditional patterned clothing stands next to a woman, labeled "my mom," who is dressed in a patterned skirt and white blouse

I started to learn more and more about what it means to become a matai.

It was so surreal to be there.

Its as if the ancestors are giving you a hug and welcoming you home.

A man, a woman, and two young girls in matching outfits pose for a family photo. Names are not known

And being on the exact land of my ancestors, it felt like a spiritual moment.

Each village and family is different in how they handle the passing down of matai titles.

This particular title means that we are the orators or the speaking chief.

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We help tell the village the wishes of the high chief, and we assist when there are disputes.

The rain brought the reverence to the day.

The high chiefs came to the fale (house) like dark pillars of legacy.

Palm trees and lush greenery by a rocky shoreline with clear turquoise waters and a blue sky in the background

With the rain and thunder outside, it was almost as if the ancestors had joined them.

As the high chiefs gathered in and sat around the fale, the preacher took his place.

The ceremony for receiving our titles was very much like that of the church.

A group of seven individuals in traditional Polynesian attire, adorned with leis and headpieces, stand together in a decorated shelter

The preacher spoke about the responsibility of taking this on.

We signed papers and gave the money for our titles, making it official.

That feeling was truly exhilarating because there arent many women matai in Samoa.

Two smiling women, dressed in traditional Pacific Islander attire, stand barefoot on stone steps. People and a child are in the background

To this day, some villages dont allow women to hold titles.

Im so grateful to come from a village that does give me the opportunity to serve them.

I am glad to share the title of Moananu Pula with others in my family.

A person stands on a balcony overlooking a cityscape, holding a red and blue Samoan flag. Text reads "Happy AAPI Heritage Month."

No matter where I am, I will always carry my island with me.

I love continuing to educate and spread awareness of my beautiful culture and heritage.

Passing down this knowledge is something I take to heart.

Three people in traditional Polynesian attire are smiling and standing together in a room with patterned decor

We might come from a small island, but we have big pride in where we come from.

Forever and always Samoa Mo Samoa.

Illustration featuring diverse individuals in traditional attire celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the acronym APAHM and colorful backgrounds