New members appointed to Samoan Language Commission

On September 24, 2025, Governor Pulaali’i Nokolao Pula (R) announced new appointed members for the Samoan Language Commission of American Samoa. The Commission now includes educators, chiefs, and community leaders representing both the government and religious organizations. The appointments are an ongoing effort by the American Samoan government aimed at preserving Samoan cultural identity.

Established in 2022, the Samoan Language Commission of American Samoa is dedicated to preserving Samoan as a living language and promoting its use alongside English. The Commission oversees outreach, research, policy, and advocacy efforts to strengthen the status and future of the Samoan language.

Language preservation has become increasingly important as the younger generations of American Samoa grow up in English-dominated environments. In 2023, a census from the US Department of Health and Human Services reported that while 80% of the population is fluent in Samoan and English, only 9% actually speak Samoan natively. The Commission’s education programs specifically target curriculum development, language immersion efforts, and research on Samoan linguistics.

Pula submitted the appointments to the Fono for confirmation, mainly choosing community leaders and professionals. The new members include Aiono Okenaisa Fauolo (Director of Research and Education at the American Samoa Community College), Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale (a respected faith leader), and High Chief Faiivae Godinet, who represents traditional Samoan leadership. Their terms range from two to four years. 

The diverse selection of the appointees represents the government’s effort to include perspectives from all sectors of leadership: academia, religious institutions, and traditional villages. Once confirmed, the new members will direct initiatives related to language curriculum, terminology standardization, and public outreach with the purpose of strengthening Samoan fluency across generations. 

The new appointments emphasize a strong effort for the protection of Samoan culture through formal policy. As the commission begins its next term, members are expected to lead projects that integrate Samoan culture more deeply in schools and public institutions. These initiatives are part of a wider regional movement to preserve Pacific Island languages amid growing globalization.