The ongoing saga of Saipan and Samoa

One of the biggest epiphanies that I have experienced of late is discovering that a group of 10 brave Samoan matai (chief) and their families are an important part of CNMI history. Last month the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, after years of meticulous planning and research, unveiled the 100th anniversary of its “Samoan Exiles in Saipan” program to the public, with a great assist from a dedicated group of individuals of Samoan ancestry who reside in the Commonwealth.

Big-time kudos to Humanities Council executive director Scott Russell, for not only recognizing that this is an important part of “the local history” but he saw the relevancy of the connection between Samoa and Saipan. He and program officer Lolly Villagomez proactively incorporated the proper Samoan perspective in their efforts to retrace and record history during this period. Russell placed a great premium on engaging in the “…interaction and talking and telling stories and remembering things and putting the pieces back together,” so that an accurate recording of what actually occurred would take place.

Russell and Villagomez also were astute enough to appreciate the importance of being culturally sensitive. They wisely reached out to the Saipan Samoan community through Maria and Arthur Camacho for expert advice and guidance, especially since they wanted to pay homage to the Samoan culture, given the number of distinguished visitors that were coming to the CNMI for this auspicious occasion. Hence the protocol for the ‘Ava and Sua ceremonies were conducted properly in the traditional Fa’a Samoa (Samoan way of life) manner which impressed the guests from off-island.

Villagomez describes the June 17-20 Humanities program as “awesome and incredible.” Dr. Malama Meleisea, a noted historian who is the director of the Center for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa, did a “ fabulous job” of explaining how peaceful resistance warriors like Chief Lauaki Namulau’ulu Mamoe’s participation with the Mau a Pule movement, led to his falling out of favor with German colonial officials. Lauaki and nine other chiefs’ involvement with the Mau led to their banishment from Samoa in 1909 and they were exiled to the Marianas—another part of the German Empire in the Pacific. They were not able to return to their homeland until after the Germans relinquished control of Samoa to New Zealand during World War I. Unfortunately for Chief Lauaki, he never made it back to Samoa because he passed away en route at sea.

From my studies as a Fulbright Scholar in New Zealand, I learned that the Mau a Pule was basically a nonviolent movement for Samoa independence from German and New Zealand rule in the 1900’s. In fact, my father Gustav’s uncle, Tupua Tamasese Leaolofi III, one of the leaders of the Mau, was the central figure in what has gone down as Black Saturday. He and eight others were gunned down on Dec. 28, 1929 ( 11 in all died) by NZ military police  in a peaceful demonstration they held to protest the arrest of a fellow Mau member. As Tamasese lay dying in the family village of Vaimoso, he uttered these words which has become immortal in Samoan history: “My blood has been spilt for Samoa. I am proud to give it. Do not dream of avenging it, as it was spilled in peace. If I die, this must be maintained at any price.”

It took over 30 years after his untimely death but in 1962, Samoa eventually became the first Pacific island country to be granted its independence. Furthermore in 2002, NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark issued a formal apology to Samoa for New Zealand’s treatment of Samoans during its colonial reign while in Apia during the 40th anniversary of Samoa’s Independence celebrations. Tamasese’s son, Tupua Tamasese Meaole, became the country’s first co-head of state with Malietoa Tanumafili II. I recall my parents’ excitement in going to Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu to greet His Highness when he visited Hawaii and how my dad’s cousin insisted, much to the consternation of the Secret Service, that he ride in his cousin’s ordinary car that day.

One of the chiefs who came over with Lauaki was Iiga Pisa. Pisa’s time in Micronesia was legendary. He not only was conversant in Samoan and German but courageously sailed 120 miles by himself to Guam in a Samoan paopao (canoe) in his quest to learn another language (English). Chief Iiga knew that with English now being spoken heavily in Apia rather than German, it was imperative for him to learn that language if he were to maneuver successfully between the two cultures when he eventually returned. Several members of his clan, led by great-granddaughters Faautu Talapusi and Fuailelagi Tuitama, were present at the ceremonies on Saipan, according to Gomez, “proudly sharing their anecdotes , tales and feats, of their daring and brilliant  great grandfather.” Thanks to Chief Iiga Pisa, most of what we know of what transpired with the Samoans in Micronesia during this time as well as his phenomenal four-year learning experience in Guam is remembered. Executive director Russell re-emphasizes, “… one of the things we’re fortunate to have is an account that was written by the Chief himself in the early 1940’s…”

Lest we forget, it is noteworthy that the Humanities Council dedicated two areas with appropriate signage highlighting important landmarks of Samoa’s history in the CNMI. One area is the site of the first Samoan village, which is north of Lower Base, and the second is Unai Agingan, the place where Chief Iiga launched his paopao to sail to Guam. Moreover, Russell plans to compile the archival information and couple it with the oral history and recent transcripts from the 100th anniversary and make it available as booklets for the schools and colleges in the CNMI and Samoa.

Having now been exposed to this aspect of Samoan history on Saipan, I can see why the Honorable Peter Tali Coleman, prior to returning to Pago Pago to become the first popularly elected governor of American Samoa, adjusted so well and enjoyed a very successful tenure during his 17 years as an American appointee in a variety of executive positions in the former U.S. Trust Territories of Micronesia. The talented Coleman was the district administrator of the Marianas Islands and served as both the Deputy High Commissioner and acting High Commissioner of the U.S. Trust Territories. His experience here left an indelible imprint on his philosophy and outlook on the Pacific region that followed him throughout his exemplary career.

He and his wife Nora and most of their 13 children and some of their grandchildren are quite familiar with the region. I recall him speaking very fondly of his time here on Saipan and for those that knew the Colemans when they were here, the feeling was mutual and continues today with his family that resides in the CNMI. His granddaughter Marie was part of the Saipan Samoan community that helped with the 100th anniversary. Governor Coleman’s life is yet another shining example of the special bond and affinity that has existed between the Samoan and Chamorro people over the last century.

In the short period of my time in the Marianas, I guess you could say I, too, have been smitten with the Samoa/Saipan bug. You won’t find me performing a heroic act like Chief Iiga or come close to compiling the record of accomplishments of former High Commissioner Coleman anytime soon. Plainly speaking, I am enamored with the Marianas and am not shy about proclaiming to my friends and family why this is such a special place. For now, I’ll settle for being the “tallest Chamolinian” admirer around.