Prime Minister Mata’afa visits the Burke Museum and is greeted by Research Family Pacific Islander students. Pictured left to right: Melanie Fuimaono, Kayce, Nick Edmond, and Prime Minister Mata’afa.
During her visit, Prime Minister Fiamē Mata’afa shared about her nearly 40 year career working within parliament, experiences of being a woman within parliament and politics, and her continued push to address systemic and institutional issues that keep youth from attaining quality education. Research Family and Pacific Islander students were inspired from the wealth of knowledge that she shared and radiated:
“I really loved how she was real! Also loved that she is a woman because it showcases that even women have a chance to work in a higher position.”
“Everyone did their best and it ended up being a really nice event. My family was happy and I was even happier because I got a new puletasi from it all. Made me miss working on siapo even more than I already do.”
Prime Minister Mata’afa speaks with Pacific Islander students and community, Research Family, and Burke staff about her journey to becoming Samoa’s first woman Prime Minister. Pictured left to right: Kiana S. Fuega, doctoral student in the UW Dept. of Anthropology, and Prime Minister Mata’afa.
Prime Minister Mata’afa and Minister of Justice Matamua Pulufana sharing stories of being inaugurated into the current administration and their respective journeys and career pathways.
“As a woman, she expects respect which isn’t always afforded to women in government spaces. She is confident in herself, ancestors, parents, and is able to own her power. She expects respect.”
“[It is] important for young Pacific Islanders to see themselves in higher spaces that we don’t normally see ourselves represented in. The Prime Minister is a role model that students can see themselves [represented] in. It is important that our elder Islanders takes these spaces and mentor students to continue this work going forward”
Research Family sharing the work they do at the Burke Museum with Samoan Fine Mats and Siapo with Prime Minister Mata’afa and her delegation.
Toelau Ronalei Gasetoto, doctoral student in the UW Dept. of Anthropology, formally greets Prime Minister Mata’afa and her delegation to the Burke Museum and University of Washington.
Prime Minister Mata’afa’s visit to the Burke Museum to be in connection and community with Samoan, Pacific Islander, and Research Family students will remain to be a highlight for our local Seattle and UW community.
Fa’afetai Prime Minister Mata’afa and Minister Pulufana for sharing space and stories with our community here in Seattle!
Photos by Chris Snyder/Burke Museum.
