I don’t really know what that ‘one thing’ was that triggered the sudden burst of energy to go to Samoa. I am known for my spontaneity however, so it comes as no great surprise to those who know me. And after our family discussions late last year surrounding the ‘Tofilau Title’, when I flew into Auckland for the occasion, I did have a serious conversation about the need to go to Samoa and connect with our extended families.
Further to that investigation was the issue of Tofilau Michael heading to Samoa, on behalf of our Pereira family in December/January to coincide with a major event being held in Iva, Savai’i. Ron Pereira and I had signaled our intention to accompany Tofilau Michael. As it turned out, the event was postponed, however, Ron did make the trip and messaged me about an opportunity to meet with a high standing Tofilau from Iva. I guess for me, that was the catalyst. So, decision made, I set off on an adventure to Samoa.
I have to admit, the first few days were a bit rough. I hadn’t made any contacts and the Inn I was staying at on Moamoa Rd was too far away from Apia township to walk comfortably. Ron had warned me of the dogs that can get a bit nasty protecting their turf in the suburbs, so I wasn’t about to chance a walkabout.
Auntie Lasa Aiono (Ron’s Cousin) is a formidable woman of character and was an absolute blessing. She took time off her busy schedule and organised our trip out to Iva, Savai’i, taking her dual cab ute on the ferry and transporting us to our destination … a meeting with ‘Tofilau Ma’a’ who had arranged for us to have an audience with Village Elder ‘Leauanae Tagalosa Ailao’.
As we arrived in Iva, I was immediately inspired by it’s beauty and simplicity. We connected with Tofilau Ma’a, who walked us to the home of Leauanae Tagalosa Ailao. Removing our sandals and shoes as we entered the house, I left my socks on, to which the Elder, Leauanae Tagalosa Ailao, pointed to. Embarrassed, I removed my socks and coyly sat down at the last of four chairs that had been set out for us.
An incredibly humbling experience, Auntie Lasa communicated and translated on our behalf. Of course, Ron still accommodates the mother tongue, and was able to ask questions and understand most of what was said. I on the other hand, was quite at a loss, but listened with my heart to fully absorb the spirit of the communications taking place.
Before our official meeting came to a close, individual tables were placed in front of each of us and food started to arrive. Fried chicken, green bananas in coconut, beans, onions and Taro .. what seemed like a feast was presented. After a quick prayer, we ate and talked and laughed. The atmosphere relaxed, I was signaled to ask any questions I might have in English. I was assured that this area is the land of our ancestors, and that Siosé (José) Pereira was known to Leauanae, but that further investigations would need to be made to find out which of the lines of Tofilau our family belongs to. Of four (4) girls and one (1) boy of the Tofilau, which one Antonio Victorino Pereira married is still unclear. The Tofilau title of Iva, Savai’i is the 9th family line of Malietoa.
E iva iai aiga o Malietoa
The granddaughter of Leauanae Tagalosa Ailao has provided us with her email so that we may contact her and follow up with our investigations.
We stayed at the Jet Over Hotel in Salelologa, Savaii
On the Ferry looking out to Manono Island between Upolu and Savai’i
Upolu Island
Ron and I in front of the Iva District Signage
Leaving the Port on the ferry from Mulifanua on Upolu island’s west coast.
Upolu Island
Looking across the Main Road from Leauanae’s Fale
Looking across the Main Road from Leauanae’s Fale
Upolu Island
Main House of Leauanae
Looking back to the Main Road in Iva
The Road Trip
Amazing View from the Jet Over Hotel in Salelologa, Savaii
LOCATION: St Anne’s Catholic Church, Manurewa, Auckland
CHAIR: Tofilau Michael Pereira
ASSISTANT CHAIR: Tia So’opele Pereira
INTERPRETER: Ron Pereira
Family Representations: Sipili, Keiti, Faete, Ake, Sio and Mé
Absent – Luisa, Keve
Minutes of the Meeting
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Opening & Welcome
Tofilau Michael Pereira
Ephesians 4: verse 3-4 (NIV)
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
Core message was the encouragement for us to live in peace with each other and as a family.
Closed off opening & welcome with a word of prayer.
Tofilau’s thoughts & statements were translated into English & shared with the family for the benefit of our non Samoan
speaking family by Ron Pereira – Fingers crossed I managed to achieve at least 90% accuracy
Apologies
There were no formal apologies were tabled at the start of our meeting – 2 apologies were noted at the end.
Mika Patu – had work commitments on Saturday, apologies made through Paulo & Dan
Eugene & Danni Meredith – there had been some confusion over the FB generated timezone that had the wrong start
time of 2pm contributing to their late arrival. Apologies for the confusion & thank you Eugene & Danni.
General Discussion
While no formal agenda was presented prior to the meeting, the messaging around the titles had been posted on-line via FB.
The general discussion (for the most part) went well. Questions were asked & dialogue was encouraged but we needed to ensure we were
able to have some structure around our time management, and make sure all questions were answered as fully as possible.
Tofilau shared the need for current descendants to make use of their birthright to these titles, explained for us to proceed, we have top
register our interest & intent to the current Tofilau title holders in Samoa, the village elders & council.
We needed to pause and structure the conversation to ensure items were discussed & then family representatives were canvassed for their
thoughts, with the final action being a vote to support or not. The following was confirmed from the discussions.
The following items were confirmed by votes
Iva = 3 x Itu paepae
There are three itu paepae’s (familial descendants) in Iva – The Pereira family belong to the house of ‘Faleulu’
First steps for this to happen
We have to present our request & intentions the current high chiefs of the 3 itupaepae’s, village matai’s and elders in Iva
For this Tofilau Michael will head to Samoa around December / January to coincide with a major event being held in Iva
As Tofilau Michael will be representing the Pereira family in NZ, Australia & USA, he has asked for our support in creating a fundraiser to cover
the airfare, as well as enough donations / funds to put towards a Pereira donation towards the event in Iva, in December.
Event in Iva – December 2023
Fale Talimalo – Iva: Tofilau presented a back story of the construction of a fale talimalo (guest house – village facility hosting guests & village events)
It has cost the village in the vicinity of $200K. Tofilau Michael has made a donation on our behalf of $500.00
The fale talimalo is scheduled for its official opening in December 2023
It would be an opportunity to incorporate Tofilau Michaels attendance of the opening, submit a donation from the Pereira family and initiate
discussions of the titles during his visit to Samoa. this into an itinerary to add some weight / respect to our request.
Funding of Samoa visit in December
Tofilau Michael suggests a fundraiser to go towards our request for these titles by all the families who are interested and are participating
2 options for fundraising were offered: 1) Po Siva or a family dance night 2) A donation of a set amount for each family
Voting Results
Each family represented were asked to indicate their decision by way of voting / raising of hands for & against
Titles
YES – Support:
Sipili, Keiti, Faete, Sio, Me, Ake
Ake* – Eugene & Danni expressed their support at the end of our meeting – see “Apologies” above
Absent:
Representatives from Luisa & Keve
Abstain:
Lomana representatives from Lomana’s family – Pesa & Leka indicated their non-support. No detailed explanation was sought
We respected their decisio
Fundraising
YES – support
Sipili, Keiti, Faete, Sio, Me
Ake* – Eugene & Danni expressed their support at the end of our meeting – see “Apologies” above
Absent:
Representatives from Luisa & Keve
Abstain:
Lomana representative Laura clarified that while they respectfully withhold their participation in the titles, they would are happy to
revisit their contribution closer to the time – as family resources & abilities permit
$500
Each family involved in the pursuit of the titles are to donate $500.00 – date of collection to be confirmed in the next 2 weeks.
Next Meeting
Tofilau to confirm our next meeting details, to be sooner rather than later given our time constraints – TBC in 2 weeks.
Summary
Lots to learn for the next meeting, but a great result in the end. Great to see some old faces & good to meet new ones.
Acknowledgments
Tofilau Michael Pereira for his work to see the descendants of the Pereira family pursue what is within their birthrights
Thanks to everyone that made the effort to be at the meeting
Thank you family for providing the amazing food & drinks
Thank you to the family team that worked in the kitchen and in our food preparation
Thank you to St Anne’s Catholic Church for the use of your hall
Vincent Pereira who travelled from Darwin to be at the meeting
Tennelle Luafalemanu (Me’s family line) from Carson City who’s here for business but made time for family.
Ephesians 4: verse 3-4 (NIV)
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
