Aganu’u is the Samoan word for CULTURE

The word CULTURE is defined as:

The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. For this context, we are speaking about the culture of the Samoan people.

Growing up or living in the diaspora, many of us can resonate with the following points:

• Access to cultural knowledge is not as easy as it is in Samoa.

• Traditional practices aimed at preserving our Samoan culture are not consistently upheld within families here in the diaspora.

• Our personal grasp of Samoan culture significantly influences our self-perception as Samoans.

• Our experiences and expectations in cultural settings play a crucial role in our decisions to either embrace or distance ourselves from our culture.

Frequently, we find ourselves without a space to learn, reflect, and determine how we wish to engage with our culture. Recently, many have turned to social media to discuss these issues. However, when you delve into the comments, you quickly encounter a range of perspectives, practices, and interpretations of what AGANU’U means to others. While this exchange can be insightful, social media often falls short in providing opportunities for face-to-face cultural exploration. Consequently, many leave feeling frustrated, offended, or completely disengaged.

The Aganu’u Community Teach-In Series is one solutions that aims to create a safe, in-person environment for learning and building connections within the Samoan and Pacific Islander communities. Guided by cultural and faith-based practitioners, the series promotes open dialogue on a variety of cultural topics.