To celebrate Samoa Language Week RNZ Pacific journalist Mariner Fagaiava-Muller and his Papa, Faasootauloa Fepuleai Galo Fagaiava, sat down together to make oka.
Today's launch of Samoa Language Week highlights the importance of language in providing a foundation for Pacific wellbeing, said Minister for Pacific.
Source: New Zealand Government
Pacific languages, cultures and identity are essential to the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
“Language is the key to the definition of our overall Pacific wellbeing.”
This year, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) will be supporting nine Pacific Language Weeks driven by Pacific communities.
“Language is fundamental to providing Pacific peoples with an anchor to their identity, confidence, and safety as we navigate our way through the economic and social challenges ahead post the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Sio says.
In 2020, Pacific Communities displayed their resilience to the COVID-19 environment by moving Language Week activities online. This year will build on last year’s digital successes and with the option to continue online delivery.