The Samoan Studies Institute at the American Samoa Community College has launched two educational books to assist in the learning of Samoan culture and language at the two-year college and the community at large.

Educators from the college and the community joined SSI Director Okenaisa Fauolo-Manila last Friday, May 7 at the ASCC Land Grant to launch the  Samoan language books titled: “O le uta a le Taulasea Samoa” and “Ua Tala le Ta’ui.”

A host of leaders was present for the launching — members of the Board of High Education, Samoan studies’ teachers from local high schools and the men and women who worked on compiling the books.

The  mission of the SSI — is to ensure and promote the continuity of the Samoan culture, traditions, language and heritage through an inter-disciplinary, comprehensive educational approach that focuses on three major areas: academics; community and cultural extension programs and research and publication.

The first book, “O le Uta a le Taulasea” covers the art of ‘fofo Samoa’ and ‘taulasea’ — the traditional healers of Samoa.

The second publication, “Ua Tala le Ta’ui” — contain the myths and legends of Tutuila as relayed to students by a host of locals.

 Research and publication of the new titles were funded by American Samoa Community Cancer Network.

Those who participated in “Ua Tala le Ta’ui” are: Faletogo Taliloa, Liua Pisamoa Taifane, Taoilolo Palemene, Mamae Seti Muasau, Tauanuu Faisiota, Maugaotega Savane, Salavea M. Salavea, Tuifuefue Miti McKenzie, Tuilefano Vaelaa, Toaono Mafatau, Auaumaga Tafa, Johnny Faleafine, Fiaoo Letumauga, and Aimalefoa Afalava.

No names were provided of traditional Samoan healers.

Of note, there are no stories from Manu’a islands contained in the book, because, according to BHE Vice Chair Pemerika Tauiliili, there is difficulty in gleaning stories, or, treasures from Manu’a, as the people of Manu’a choose to pass the stories on orally, as in the old Samoan way — from fathers and mothers to their children. He said some years ago, government officials who wished to document legends and myths from Manu’a came back empty-handed for this very reason.

He then urged elders to share their stories with the young to have them documented and preserved for future generations.

He said even gathering stories from locals were difficult for the student-researchers.

To conduct the research, in partnership with the ASCCN, students enrolled in Samoan courses such as 204, 251 and 111ASTEP, a teacher education program — ventured into the community to collect and gather information on traditional Samoan healers and legends of myths of Tutuila that have been now complied in these two books.

According to a presentation by Fauolo-Manila, by participating in making these books, as they were assigned to make research papers — students were able to accomplish several parts of the SSI mission: they developed research skills, the activity incorporated service learning as well community outreach.

The books will be used by the SSI as part of outreach.

Dr. Seth  Galea’i, during his speech at the book launch, said there will be difficulty in passing on cultural knowledge to future generations, adding that oral traditions are no longer effective.

“Documenting who we are as Samoans is critical that if we do not put our cultural record into written words, we will lose our identity,” he said.

Pemerika Tauiliili spoke of the many changes that are seen in our children these days because they are not actively involved in village matters, or practicing the culture.

“Where should the youth go to learn?” he asked. Books, he says, so they can learn in classrooms and so teachers could teach their students such knowledge.

Dr. Galea’i thanked the elders and students who have contributed to the SSI’s literary works and for their courage in trying new ways to perpetuate the Samoan culture. He also congratulated Board of Higher Education Vice Chairman Pemerika Tauiliili and Fauolo-Manila, for their vision.

The books may be purchased at ASCC’s Le Bookstore on the college campus.