“E vave taunu’u le malaga pe a tatou alo va’a fa’atasi”
Our destiny is within sight when we paddle our canoe together
SDSU PISA HIGH SCHOOL CONFERENCE 2024 (Samoan Cultural Workshop)
_edited.png)
November 2022
USC PISA
In partnership with USC PISA, our Taupou Samoa Cultural Arts team engaged in meaningful discussions with the Pacific Islander Student Association. Together, we explored Pasefika traditions, navigated the experience of being Pacific Islander in America, and fostered conversations on how to be effective leaders within our communities. This collaboration created a valuable space for sharing insights and strengthening our cultural ties.​
March 2024
Cathedral Catholic Poly Club
Students at Cathedral Catholic High School engage in meaningful conversations about exploring self-identity while delving into their cultural roots. These open discussions foster a sense of accountability, encouraging one another to honor and respect their cultural expressions. Together, they create an environment where diverse identities can flourish and be celebrated.
.png)
​April 2024
MORSE MISA High School Conference
Our cultural arts team had the honor of teaching Siva Samoa (Samoan Dance) and Cultural Workshops for 300 students attending the “PEOPLE OF PASEFIKA” High School Conference. Hosted by Morse MISA (Islander Student Association) Taupou Samoa Cultural Arts was asked to share and fellowship with students ranging from all parts of San Diego, CA.
Our 3 workshops embraced the beauty of siva samoa (Samoan dance) the roles and responsibilities in Samoan cultural settings and the importance of identity as a tagata Samoa or “People of Pasefika”… We are appreciative and blessed that new generations are interested in learning about their cultural backgrounds and embracing their Samoan heritage. We are steadfast in keeping the Samoan Culture alive here in the States for future generations to come.
​
Fa'afetai tele lava to MORSE MISA Advisor Nani Schoot for facilitating this HS Convference for Pasefika students!
.png)
​November 2024
SDSU PISA High School Conference
We had the honor of hosting four cultural workshops at the PISA Annual High School Conference, centered on the theme “Tauivi Ki Te Lelei” — the “Pursuit of Excellence.” This theme highlights the importance of celebrating and uplifting Pacific Islander communities beyond just academics.
In our 35-minute session on “The Art of Samoa,” students explored Samoan geography, customs (Amioga Fa’asamoa), and traditional dance (Siva Samoa). We’re grateful for their respectful curiosity and enthusiasm for Samoan culture.
Creating spaces for Pacific Islander youth to connect with their heritage is vital, especially in underrepresented communities. We thank pisa.sdsu for the opportunity to share our culture and help inspire future Pacific leaders.
​
Fa'afetai tai tele lava to PISA President Fa'aea Mairead for inviting us to share our love for Samoa at the PISA Conference 2024! Malo le tauivi!
​February 2025
MORSE MISA High School Conference
Our instructors Cyrrona Solia, Krystal Leilua and Jeremiah Savaiinaea led three 40 minute workshops. While time was limited but cherished the instructors honed in on teaching the history of American Samoa and Samoa being colonized separating our islands into eastern and western regions. While also covering Amioga Fa’asamoa (Samoan Customs/Pillars) and Siva Samoa (Samoan Dance) basic fundamentals. The 3rd Annual conference drew in about 200+ students from across San Diego County. Our most cherished moment was seeing all of our workshop participants actively engaged in our Samoan Culture. This platform was the perfect opportunity for all Pasefika students to be recognized. With that being said, we took the opportunity to finish our last workshop by highlighting all of the Samoan Students with our traditional Samoan Taualuga.
​
“O le ala i le pule, o le tautua” — “The pathway to leadership, is through service” This proverb highly reflects the role our instructors carried this weekend, young but courageous they took the lead in teaching the next generation. It is through service that our generations of the pacific with thrive. Two of our instructors being Morse Alumni, this workshop was a full circle moment. 🤎
​