Cultural Preservation and Land swap issue

By: Tosimaeʻa Tupua

Email: tupua@opi.as.gov

American Samoa’s delegation also informed the Atoa o Samoa about the establishment of the Samoan Language Commission in American Samoa in April 2022 which also established both Samoan and English as the official languages of American Samoa. There were critical concerns about language loss and American Samoa has sought assistance from Samoa and UNESCO in addition to strengthening networks with language advocates in the U.S. The meeting also noted the provision of a place for American Samoa in the Samoa Language Commission in Apia.

On American Samoa’s land in Samoa, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa confirmed the land leased in Avele is ready for American Samoa. The American Samoa Government expressed some concerns with the land, noting close proximity to the Chinese Embassy and sought the reconsideration of the Samoa Government in this regard. Prime Minister Fiame asked the Samoa Minister of Environment to consider the matter further and advise accordingly.