3:34 AM |
FA'AFALETUI O LE AGANUU DATES CHANGED DUE TO OVERWHELMING INTEREST FROM
OUTSIDE OF AUCKLAND*
Source: eventpolynesia.com (26 March 2009)
Organizers of the *Fa’afaletui o le Aganuu,* a two day community
consultation to discuss Samoan culture and tradition, yesterday announced
the change in dates to accommodate participants travelling from outside of
Auckland. Instead of the event running on the 7th and 9th of April, it will
now be staged on the 7th and 8th of April back-to-back days to help those
taking annual leave to attend.
According to Mr. Pa’u Fereti Puni of the organizing committee, “The respond
is overwhelming with interest as far as Samoans in the military in Iraq,
Samoans working in UK, Dubai and especially Samoans living in Australia. It
has certainly touched a nerve with so much demand to understand Samoan
culture.”
The *Fa'afaletui o le Aganuu* to be held in Auckland is an initiative of the
Faleula o Samoa, a committee of Samoan senior matai formed under the Samoa
Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development. One of the key tasks
being undertaken by the Faleula o Samoa is to address the excessive spending
at Fa'alavelave, a real issue that impacts on the social welfare and
wellbeing of Samoans everywhere.
Mr Puni said, “Culture is such a sensitive topic especially when it comes to
Samoans. The difference in interpretation and application of culture is
forever contested. Some proud Samoans especially abroad have disconnected
themselves from their families because of the 'Fa’alavelave' word.
“The forum comes at the best of time with the economic recession affecting
everyone and calls for Fa’alavelave to be done in moderation.”
Some of the feedbacks have pointed the finger to the role of the church
saying it is unfair to storm only the culture which has been our pride, and
will forever make us unique, and hiding the impact of church obligations.
The difficulty for many is distinguishing between giving to the matai and to
the family, and donating to supporting the faifeau and the church.
One feedback had raised an interesting question, why Samoans use the work
‘fa’alavelave’ which means a burden to describe family gatherings such as
wedding and title bestowments which are supposedly happy occasions. Maybe
its time to change the word ‘fa’alavelave’ or its use.
There is a huge interest from New Zealand born Samoans who have requested if
there is an opportunity for the *Fa’afaletui o le Aganuu* to be delivered in
English. The two half day event is the first time the Faleula o Samoa has
taken their message outside of Samoa since its inception six years ago.
An official send off by the Samoa Government is set for Friday 3rd April for
the twenty eight member delegation. On arrival in Auckland, the group will
be officially welcomed with a tradition ‘ava’ ceremony by the Samoan
Advisory Council and the Samoan community.
This is an opportunity not to be missed by those who are keen to learn and
understand the Samoa culture.
A limited number of information pack containing the official program with
course notes and four Faleula o Samoa DVDs is now on sale at $60 presold and
$80 per pack available at the venue bending availability of stock. To order
your pack, see attachment.
email: i...@eventpolynesia.com.
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