Twelve new titleholders have been bestowed the chiefly title of Lauano yesterday at Leauva’a.
One of the high chiefs of the family, Va’ailalo Tauā reminded the new chiefs of their roles and their responsibilities within the family.
“We are so thankful that the Lauano family finally made it, it’s not easy, and always remember that one of your roles is looking after the family.”
“Fa’amatai is the key to governance and way of life in Samoan culture.”
“Inherent in the fa’amatai system is the welfare and well-being of the extended family (‘aiga) and the protection of family”
“May you all be blessed!”
Newly recognised, Lauano Nicky Vaiomanu said that it was a pleasure for him to become one of the matai within his father’s family.
“I feel very honoured, very privileged.”
All the new matais were well supported by their family. And it was that support that gives them strength.
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“I am ready to serve my family, village and the church,” he said.
“I trust and believe in God that He is sufficient. “
“I just want to say a big fa’afetai tele lava to all my family and friends for their supports... and this is the first time I have gotten a matai title so I will use it wisely.”
He explained his understanding of the importance of matais within families.
“In the Samoan culture, the concept of serving and taking on the responsibility for the welfare of the family is integral to the fa’amatai system.”
Mrs Fia Sapolu Afamasaga who was one of the relatives attending yesterday shared her own thoughts about matai names.
“Each matai has a name (suafa) by and through which they exercise their rights in the family over which they preside.”
“Matai names are for the most part very old ones and are handed down from generation to generation and titles can be bestowed on one person or numerous family members who are distinguished from each other by their Christian names.”
“It is common for each ‘aiga to have a number of matai titles and the title of a family matai.”
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