List of Samoans

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This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completeness.
Revisions and sourced additions are welcome.

Contents

[edit] Samoan cabinet ministers and their portfolios 2006

  • Prime Minister - Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi
  • Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Finance Misa Telefoni Retzlaff
  • Minister of Finance - Niko Lee Hang
  • Minister of Health - Gatoloaiifaana Amataga Tofilau Gidlow
  • Minister of Education - Toomata Alapati Toomata
  • Minister of Works - Tuisugaletaua Sofara
  • Minister of Lands - Faumuina Liuga
  • Minister of Revenue - Tuuu Anasii Leota
  • Minister of Communications and Information Technology- Safuneituuga Neri Fepuleai
  • Minister of Justice - Unasa Mesi
  • Ministry of Women, Community & Social Developmnent - Fiame Naomi Mata'afa
  • Minister of Agriculture - Taua Kitiona
  • Minister of Police - Toleafoa Faafisi

[edit] Other Samoan cabinet ministers and their portfolios 2001-2006

  • Palusalue Faapo Minister of Communication & Information Technology: Samoa Broadcasting Corporation, Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (Transport Division), Port Authority, Samoa Shipping Corporation, Samoa Shipping Services Limited, Transport Control Board, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Public Service Commission Public Service Commission, Samoa Broadcasting Corporation, SamoaTel, Savali & Public Relations, Associate Minister for Civil Aviation
  • Gaina Tino Minister of Justice and Courts Administration: Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration, Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration (Lands and Titles Court), Public Trust Office, Film Censorship, Law Reform Commission, Electoral Commission, Public Trust Office
  • Mulitalo Siafausa Vui Minister of Health: Ministry of Health, Oceania University of Medicine, District Hospitals and Health Centre, Women Health Committee, Associate Minister for Accident Compensation Board
  • Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Meteorology: Agriculture Store Corporation, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Samoa Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Meteorology Division, Meteorology, Forestry and Fisheries
  • Tuala Ainiu Iusitino Minister of Women, Community & Social Development: Ministry for Internal Affairs and Rural Development, Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development, Samoa Broadcasting Corporation, Internal Affairs Division, Village Mayors (Pulenu'u), Special Committee on Traditional Salutation and Legends
  • Ulu Vaomalo Kini Minister of Police: Robert Louis Stevenson Foundation, Office of the Attorney General, Juvenile Rehabilitation, Ombudsman Office, Associate Minister for Culture and Sports
  • Hans Joachim Keil Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour: Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (Labour Division), Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (Commerce & Industry Division), Samoa Tourism Authority, Accident Compensation Board, Samoa Tourism Authority, Trade Negotiations - WTO, ACP/EU, PACER, PICTA, Small Business Enterprises Centre, Consumer Protection

[edit] Samoan Government heads of departments and ministries

  • Ming Leung Wai Attorney General (a Constitutional Officer), CEO Office of the Attorney General
  • Tamaseu Leni Warren Controller and Chief Auditor (a Constitutional Officer) Audit Office
  • Maiava Iulai Toma Ombudsman, CEO Office of the Ombudsman
  • Mase Dr Toia Alama Clerk of the House, CEO Office of Parliament, Legislative Assembly
  • Levaopolo Tupae Esera CEO Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture
  • Hinauri Petana CEO, Ministry of Finance
  • Silafau Paul Meredith Ministry for Revenue
  • Tu'u'u Ieti Taulealo Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment
  • Faamausili Matagialofi L Moli CEO, Public Service Commission
  • Palanitina Toelupe Tupuimatagi CEO, Ministry of Health -Policy
  • Vaaelua Nofo Vaaelua CEO Ministry of Works, Infrastructure & Transport (Public Works Division)
  • Lemalu Tate Simi CEO Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (Commerce & Industry Division)
  • Foisaga Sohn CEO Ministry of Women, Youth and Internal Affairs
  • Seumanutafa Malaki Iakopo CEO Ministry of Agriculture
  • Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe CEO Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration (Lands and Titles Court)
  • Papaliitele Lorenese Neru Commissioner of Police, CEO Prison and Fire Services
  • Tuaimalo Asamu Ah Sam CEO Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
  • Luagalau F E Shon Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development, Ministry for Internal Affairs and Rural Development

[edit] Political, cultural, historical and prominent figures

  • Ao o Atua, Tui Atua Faanofonofo, Fuataga Kasimani (Matua o Aiga) - Current title holder of the paramount royal title of the Atua district.
  • Aiono Nonumalo Sofara Former Member of Parliament (HRPP & SNDP) and Speaker of the Legislature (HRPP).
  • Professor Dr Aiono Fanaafi Former Member of Parliament (SNDP), Former Director of Education. Professor of Samoan Language and Culture. Wife of Le Tagaloa Pita.
  • Asiata Dr. Saleimoa Vaai Lawyer and Member of Parliament.
  • Barry L. Sooalo, Esq. Attorney At Law, Law Offices of Barry Sooalo http://www.sooalolaw.com ; Author: Financing a college education; Commentator; Writer; former candidate for State Representative District 45, Hawaii State House of Representatives.
  • Taulealeausumai Dr. Eti Enosa Former Director General of Health.
  • Tuala Falani Chan Tung Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union. Formerly the Secretary for Trade Commerce and Industry.
  • Falema‘i Lesa A Samoan in New Zealand who appealed her overstayer conviction all the way to the Privy Council (the highest court in the Commonwealth) in Britain and won. Her case established a legal precedent that established that many 'overstayers' were in actual fact New Zealand citizens. It caused the then New Zealand government to change immigration laws for Samoans.
  • Fe'esago Fepulea'i Administrator and Diplomat, Current Chair of the Public Service Commission, Former High Commissioner in Wellington, New Zealand.
  • Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu'u II C.B.E. b. 1928 d.1975, bestowed with Mata'afa title 1948.
  • Fiame Naomi Mata'afa Tama Aiga, Parliamentarian, Current Samoan Minister of Women's Affairs, Former Minister of Education, bestowed with Fiame title 1975
  • Laulu Fetauimalemau Mata'afa Samoan Orator Chief, Educator, Politician, Diplomat.
  • Le Mamea Matatumua Ata O.B.E. One of the Framers of the Constitution of Samoa (A.S.M. Lefaga – Faleaseela)
  • Le Mamea Ropati Former Minister of Education Under Tofilau Eti. Joined Coalition and lost his position as leader of the opposition in September 2006.
  • Le Tagaloa Pita Former Member of Parliament and Minister of Works (Tupuola Efi government) Former Member of Parliament(SNDP). Deputy president of the Samoa Party. Married to Aiono Professor Dr Fanaafi.
  • Leiataua Kilifoti Eteuati Samoan High Commissioner to Australia
  • Luagalau Levaula Kamu LLB University of Auckland, New Zealand.Former Minister of Justice and later appointed Works for HRPP Government during 1996 - 2001 term. Assassinated on July 16th 1999 during a function to celebrate the anniversary of the HRPP. Survived by hiswife Maiava S.A.V.Peteru andfour children.
  • Maiava Sooalo Aiolupotea Visekota Peteru LLM (Hons) Former Member of Parliament (HRPP) for the constituency of Aana No; 1. She holds the chiefly title Maiava from Faleasiu the title of Sooalo from Lefagaoalii, Safune and Aiolupotea from Falelima, Samoa. The wife of former Minister of Public Works Luagalau Levaula Kamu assassinated in July 16, 1999Mother of four children, Lawyer in private practice and Human Rights Activist.
  • Malietoa Laupepa Tama Aiga
  • Malietoa Moli Tama Aiga
  • Malietoa Talavou Tama Aiga
  • Malietoa Tanumafili I Tama Aiga Son of Malietoa Laupepa
  • Malietoa Tanumafili II C.B.E. Tama Aiga. Current Head of State. Was joint Head of State until death of Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole. One of the Framers of the Constitution of Samoa
  • Malietoa Tonumaipe'a Tama Aiga
  • Malietoa Vai'inupo Tavita Tama Aiga
  • Mata'afa Fiame Mulinuu I b. d. 27 March 1948 Bestowed with Mata'afa title 1936. Tama Aiga. Married to Fetauimalemau Fuatino a daughter of Malietoa Laupepa.
  • Mata'afa Salanoa d.1936 Bestowed with Mata'afa title 1912 following death of Mata'afa Iosefo. Tama Aiga.
  • Mata'afa Tupuola Va'ailua Tama Aiga
  • Mata'afa Fiame Mulinuu I d.1948 Tama Aiga. Bestowed with Mata'afa title 1936 following death of Mata'afa Salanoa.
  • Mata'afa Iosefa b. 1832 d. 1912 also referred to as Tupua Malietoa To'oa Mata'afa Iosefo. Tama Aiga. Alii Sili. Tui Atua. One of the Kings of Samoa prior to the annexation and division of Samoa by Germany and the United States. European interference in the political activity produced three rival candidates for the Kingship from three of the Tama Aiga titles (Mata'afa, Malietoa and Tamasese)
  • Matatumua Maimoaga Samoan Orator Chief, Stateswoman, Nurse and Environmentalist
  • Olaf Frederick Nelson A successful planter, businessman and statesman.
  • Patu Afaese Hunter Former Member of Parliament and Minster of Education (HRPP). Brother-in-Law of Tuala Tiresa Malietoa.
  • Polataivao Fosi Schmidt Former Member of Parliament and former Minister of Lands and environment and former Minister of Health (HRPP). He was a successful Heavyweight boxer overseas before starting a large network of trading stations around Samoa in the early 1960s. He owned the Apollo 11 night club at Saleufi. He entered politics in 1964 and remained involved in politics for at least 40 years. He was a founding member of the HRPP political party with Vaai and Tofilau in the late 1970s.
  • Cardinal Pio Taofinuu Samoan Roman Catholic Cardinal.
  • Sua Rimoni Ah Chong Former Controller and Chief Auditor who tabled an extremely damaging report to parliament in the 1990s which revealed wide scale corruption in the Tofilau Eti Alesana government. In January 2006 he formed a new political party, the Samoa Party of which he is the president. The deputy president is Le Tagaloa Pita.
  • Tauili'ili Uili Meredith Educator, Administrator and Diplomat.
  • Tofilau Eti Alesana Longest reigning Prime Minister of Samoa 1982-1985, 1988-1998. He demonstrated strong political and cultural stewardship during his time, commanding respect and opposition at the same time.He knew how to treat people with true Samoan respect.
  • Tuala Tiresa Malietoa Member of Parliament (SNDP). Former wife of Malietoa Tanumafili II. She is the sister-in-Law of Patu Afaese Hunter.
  • Tuiloma Neroni Slade Born 1941. Lawyer, diplomat and Judge. Judge on the International Criminal Court, The Hague (2003- present). Samoan Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador/Permanent Representative to United Nations and Ambassador to Canada (1993-2003. Assistant director, Legal Division, Commonwealth secretariate London (1983-1993) Attorney General of Samoa (1976-1982). Parliamentary Counsel (1973-1975).
  • Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III d. 29 December 1929 Tama Aiga. One of the leaders of the Mau Movement.
  • Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-O-A'ana VI b. 8 May 1922 - d.1 July 1983. Bestowed with Tui Atua title in 1965, Prime Minister 1970-1973 and 1975-1976
  • Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole C.B.E. b. 3 June 1905- d.29 December 1929 Bestowed with Tui Atua Title 1929, Joint Head of State 1962/1963. One of the Framers of the Constitution of Samoa
  • Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi A Member of the Samoan Council of Deputies, a former Prime Minister (1976-1982) and Deputy Prime Minister (1985-1988) of Samoa.Appointed Head of State of Samoa replacing the late Maliettoa Tanumafili II, in June 2007.
  • Toi Aukuso Former Minister of Posts and Telecommunication convicted for involement in assassination of Luagalau Levaula Kamu.
  • Tu'u'u Ieti Taulealo A Civil Engineer and CEO of the Samoan Ministry of Environment, former President of the Samoan Public Services Association.
  • Tuiloma Pule Lameko Accountant and Politician
  • Tuimaleali’Ifano S.II One of the Framers of the Constitution of Samoa
  • Vaai Kolone Prime Minister 1982, 1985-1988
  • Dr. Walter Vermeulen Director General of Health (1990-1994). Won a landmark case Vermeulen v A-G & Others for wrongful dismissal and against the Government and Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi. The case has important bearing on Administrative Law and Constitutional Law especially in Commonwealth countries. Married to Matatumua Maimoaga. Currently Executive Director of METI (Matuaileo'o Environmental Trust Inc.).
  • Luafatasaga Kalapu d. 6 June 1961. The first speaker of Parliament in Samoa appointed by the New Zealand government before Samoa became independent in 1962. Government of Samoa has recognised his service to the people of Samoa and so have named one of the state owned buildings in Mulinu'u "Maota o Luafatasaga Kalapu" in his honour.

[edit] Literary personalities

  • Bob Afamasaga Author
  • Fay Alailima Author
  • Ulafala Aiavao Author and vocal critic of the church in Samoa.
  • Sia Figiel Novelist and poet
  • Faumuina Lance Polu Author and Poet.
  • Sapa'u Ruperaka Petaia Born on April 11, 1951. Poet, Former Director of Posts and Telecommunications, now a Minister of Religion.
  • Savea Sano Malifa Newspaper Editor and Publisher, Writer. A vocal critic of the HRPP government especially under Tofilau Eti Alesana
  • Albert Wendt Celebrated Samoan author of such works as Sons for the Return Home. He is currently a professor at Auckland University.
  • All the composers of Samoan pese; all orators who orate on cultural occasions daily.

[edit] Film and television personalities

  • Moira Walker Actress - well known Samoan actress in the film "Return to Paradise" starring Gary Cooper; also starred as a teacher in Albert Wendt's film version of "Flying Fox in a Freedom Tree" - 1989. Also known for her work in the Samoan community in NZ.
  • Peseta Sinave Isara- Former scholarship student to NZ; school inspector; acted as father of Pepe in "Flying Fox in a Freedom Tree".
  • Tuiletufuga Papali'i E. Hunkin -Respected Civil servant in his time; orator for Head of State (in his time); Registrar of Land and Titles Courts; Judge in Land and Titles Court; played role of Judge in A.Wendt's (film version) of 'Flying Fox in a Freedom Tree".
  • Leota Uelese Petaia Actor and Civil Servant. Played the role of Sione in Albert Wendt's Sons for the Return Home (1979) and also a role in the German mini series Flucht ins Paradies (1995). Holds the Chiefly title of Leota. Was Director of Televise Samoa (The Samoan National Television Station). He is the younger brother of Sapa'u Ruperake Petaia.

[edit] Music and entertainment personalities

  • Pat Mamaia Iconic Popular Radio Sports Announcer and Anti Smoking Camipagner (died of Lung Cancer)
  • Petelo Comedian, Entertainer, Performer of traditional Samoan comedy: Faleaitu
  • Sumeo Comedian, Entertainer, Performer of traditional Samoan comedy: Faleaitu
  • Dave Parker Singer
  • Kienan Kakuta - Matua Singer, Played in the famous band Fishslap, that once toured America three times in one rainy season.
  • Penina O Tiafau Group
  • Punialavaa Group
  • Tuli Brothers - H.Hunkin & W.Miller (Tautalatala)
  • Five Stars Group
  • The Yandall Sisters Group
  • The Golden Ali'is Group
  • Samoa Fiafia Trio Group early 1970s
  • Polymite Express Group
  • Nafa (Gafataitua Fa'alogo) Musician, Founding member of the American Rockabilly band Midnight Bowlers League and Alt bands Ladies Of Death Row Swimsuit Calendar and The Pride Of Japan Is Tied Up In Giant Robots
  • Sale Tuilaepa - Member and co-founder of the reagge group, Condition 4, who toured throughout the Micronesian islands and released their first sold out album, Reagge music by Storm.
  • Ekiumene Group - Aliimalemanu Sofara Aveau, Seutatia M.P.Solomona, Sharon Siula Crichton,Beulah Lene Milo, Marie Lene Milo, Atalina Ainuu, Malota Eteuati, Tagata Tagata

[edit] Sports personalities

[edit] Samoans in fiction

  • 300 lb Samoan attorney in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Dr. Gonzo/Oscar Zeta Acosta)
  • Gay, half black, half Samoan gangster/rapper/bodyguard in the book Be Cool by Elmore Leonard. The character was then altered for the motion picture Be Cool from gangster/rapper to singer/bodyguard "Elliot Wilheim" played by The Rock.
  • Antwan "Tony Rocky Horror" Rockamora, mentioned (but not seen) in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, was said to be half African American and half Samoan.
  • Pilsbury, a soldier in George A. Romero's "Land of the Dead" is a Samoan, he is played by Pedro Miguel Arce.
  • Red Dog, an ex pro football player in GI Joe the movie, part of the Renegades subteam.

[edit] Individuals awarded the Order of Tiafau

The Order of Tiafau is the highest award the Samoan Government gives to individuals for outstanding service.

  • Dr Colin Aikman Distinguished New Zealand international jurist and diplomat. He was awarded the Order of Tiafau in June 2002 during the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of independence celebrations. This was in recognition of his role as constitutional adviser to the Samoan Government in drafting the Samoan Constitution.
  • Sir Guy Richardson Powles New Zealand Lawyer, soldier, diplomat, ombudsman, race relations conciliator. Received the Order of Tiafau in June 1993 during the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of independence celebrations in recognition of his work in overseeing the series of constitutional changes that culminated in the establishment of the independent state of Western Samoa on 1 January 1962.
  • Reverend Leuatea Iusitini Sio Much revered Samoan faifeau, educator and community leader in New Zealand. Patron of various Samoan and Pacific island community, sporting, and university associations - most notably the Patron of the Samoan Sports Association. He was the foremost community leader in New Zealand Pacific island immigrant communities from the 1950s until his death in 2005. He is famous for standing on the Auckland wharves and at the early whangarei aerodrome waiting for Samoan and Pacific island immigrants and then taking them into his home until they could settle into their new country. He was also awarded the QSO (Queen's Service Order); CNZM (Companion of the NZ Order of Merit); the Maori and South Pacific Arts Council Matua Award; Samoan Sports Association's Millennium Award and the inaugural Living Legend Award from the City of Auckland.
  • Ernesto Cotter Italian Artist / Educator. Arrived in Samoa with his wife Maria Cotter in 1970 and became the primary force behind the development of Samoan artists through his teaching art in various institutions primarily at Lulumoega College (high school). His wife taught art in the Samoa Teachers Training College and then the National University of Samoa. He was awarded the Order of Tiafau for his nuturing and development of local Samoa artistic talents. Among his former students are Tikeri Uili.

[edit] Samoan composers

This list of composers -fatupese Samoa- of authentic / traditional Samoan songs - pese - would be good to build here. Here are some that are acknowledged for their wonderful pese Samoa of yesteryears:

  • Tole'afoa Talitimu - 'Ua Tofia e le Atua Samoa
  • Peseta Gatoloai Sio- many well known pese
  • Malifa Faleto'ese Lemalu-Samoa e Lo'u Atunu'u
  • Anapu Lavea Te'o E Tagi e Le Fatu
  • Kalapu Luafatasaga Kalapu-Le Manogi 'Ua Salalau
  • Maiava Pouono Hunkin- Sa 'Ou Ta'amilomilo i A'oa'oga'; Manu o le vaveao;Sau La'u pele Tutaga; Ua Motu nei le Sega;Oka'oka La'u Hani
  • Komisi Faraimo Naunauta'i ua Tata'e Fa'apopo

[edit] Samoans in New Zealand

The Samoan community in New Zealand is one of the largest communities of Samoans outside of Samoa. It is made up mainly of Samoan migrants from Samoa (originally Western Samoa). There are not many in this community from American Samoa, who migrate mainly to the United States of America. The New Zealand Samoan community is a dynamic, well oganised community in that it has only been in New Zealand for about 5 to 6 decades but it has done well for itself. It has continued to thrive though it faces many challenges and problems like all other migrant groups. Many arrived in the 1940s, 1950s but the largest migration came in the 1970s, where the majority worked in factories. A generation or two later, their children began the upward mobility journey which was not easy but nevertheless resulted in the emergence of a New Zealand born young who strived to do their best. Many of these are now married with children who have continued the 'journey' and the hopes of their migrant parents and grandparents. The community has also worked hard to try and keep its language (Samoan) alive by establishing churches and preschools as well as getting it into the New Zealand school curriculum. The Samoan language is now a degree programme at one university (Victoria University, Wellington) and is part of other degree programmes at another university (Auckland University).It is also the third most spoken language in New Zealand after English and Maori.

[edit] NZ Samoans who have worked hard to establish their community in New Zealand

This list is by no means complete, but it is a start:

  • Sofi Pua (Auckland)
  • Steve Niumata (Auckland)
  • Fred Atiga (Auckland)
  • Katuma Scanlan (Auckland)
  • Rev Leuatea Iusitini Sio (Auckland)
  • Papali'i Pita Taouma (Auckland)
  • Le Mamea T. Sefulu Ioane ( Auckland/now Samoa)
  • Namulau'ulu Tala Cleverly (Wellington)
  • Elaine Annandale (Wellington)
  • Moira Walker (Wellington/Auckland)
  • Luisa Crawley (Christchurch)
  • Ta'atofa & Amy Laban (Wellington}
  • Tuioti Lani Tupu (Wellington}
  • Bryan Williams (Auckland)
  • Paddy Walker (Auckland / now Cook Islands)
  • Paniani & Mafui'e Sa'ena (Wellington)
  • Galumalemana A. Hunkin (Auckland/Wellington)
  • Moa Fairbairns (Wellington)
  • Filimaloata Frank Pritchard (Wellington)
  • Eti Laufiso (Dunedin)
  • Puni Raea (Wellington /Australia)
  • Rev Risatisone Ete & Fereni Ete (Wellington)
  • Mulia'agatele Vavao Fetui (Auckland)
  • Taito Phillip Field (Auckland)
  • Mark Gosche (Auckland)
  • Johaney "BigDaddy" (Unlv Football)