Aganu’u in Narrm: Celebrating Samoan Culture, Identity & Young Leaders
The Le Mana Pasifika Project recently facilitated the Aganu’u in Narrm program – an eight-week cultural education series centred on Samoan protocol, values, and traditions. The program culminated in a powerful final showcase, led entirely by young people.
The program was developed and facilitated by Mary Lavea-Ioelu, guided by Samoan elder Lofipo Sineva Peilua, and informed by the academic work and cultural expertise of Lemoa Henry Fesuluai from Auckland University of Technology.
Together, their collective knowledge ensured the program honoured traditional Samoan philosophies while responding to the experiences of young Pasifika in Australia.
Following an initial one-day workshop, community demand for a full program grew rapidly. With support from Casey Council and Lynbrook Community Centre, the 12-week program came to life – reconnecting young people with identity, belonging, and cultural pride.
One young participant shared:
“I’ve learned so much and I’ll use this for the rest of my life. Learning who I am and meeting new people has been such a blessing. Being Samoan in Australia is something I’m proud of, but the journey isn’t always easy. Programs like this help us reconnect and remind us that we belong.”
Many parents expressed how meaningful it was to see their children learning cultural knowledge from a broader community village, acknowledging that programs like Aganu’u help bridge gaps for families navigating life in Australia.
“We want our kids to know where they come from, but it’s hard when we’re all trying to survive here in Australia. Aganu’u helped carry that load with us.”
“We don’t have grandparents here, we don’t all have the village we grew up with. Aganu’u gave our kids what we can’t always give them on our own. Our kids needed this. We all did.”
“This program reconnected our family back to our culture. My son walks taller now – he knows who he is.”
The final showcase featured:
- Spoken introductions in Gagana Samoa
- A traditional ‘ava ceremony facilitated entirely by young people
- Oratory, weaving, dance and cultural arts
- Traditional gift-giving, including the presentation of ‘ie toga (fine mats) to CMY
These fine mats, gifted by community elders, will now serve as cultural teaching tools across Le Mana Pasifika programs.
There is a growing need for Samoan young people in Victoria to access cultural knowledge, safe spaces, and identity-affirming learning. Aganu’u in Narrm is one step in meeting that need – and we look forward to expanding the program so more young people can benefit.
Tautuana ma oe le Aganu’u: Protect and care for our culture.
We’re honoured to walk alongside our community in keeping these traditions alive for the next generation.