Why is Aiga and Tautua so important?

Aiga is the basis of a Samoan collective group of individuals, Aiga encapsulates the basis of our existence as Samoans. “For what is Tagata without Aiga”. The Samoans believe in the following Alagaupu “Tama ma latou Aiga, Aiga ma latou Tama” simply translated “I am my family, and my family is me”. When explained, I can only write, the Samoan individual exists for his aiga, and his aiga exists for him. Never in the mind and heart of a Samoan person, can and will he think of himself more than his family. He is constantly putting first the needs of his aiga, above his own, this is to act in the pursuit of the Samoan principle of Tautua (Service). This doesn’t imply that one must be a slave, or a servant, but to be of service. It is ultimately his choice to serve the interests of his aiga, despite the difficulty, and sacrifice that is required, the Samoan individual knows that there can be no other greater blessing than the one that is given by his aiga in his pursuit of Tautua. In many cases this is the sole purpose and being for a Samoan young person that is not yet bestowed a matai (chiefly) title. “O le ala o le pule o le Tautua”, “The pathway to leadership is through service” again a well know alagaupu in which speaks for itself. That one cannot expect to gain a leadership role within his aiga, unless he understands and engages in the constant principle of Tautua.

'Ie Toga' presented to Apulu Taupulega Faamaile Apulu for his Tautua to his Aiga, Nuu, and Atunuu

Tautua in a Samoan aiga, varies depending on the location in which the Samoan aiga lives, for example, a Samoan Taulealea (untitled male) living in Samoa may assist in outdoor duties, and tasks, hunting, fishing, planting, building, etc however for a Samoan living abroad he may Tautua in another way, simply applying himself to his education, receiving higher educational qualifications, doing well in sports, being employed, being able to provide financial assistance to his aiga, ensuring his aiga is well fed, and clothed, and is able to transport his aiga, he is also involved with his ekalesia (church) etc.. Aiga and Tautua are unbreakable the two cannot exist without each other, and must be carried out as one. If there are two points that i want you to remember from these two paragraphs are 1. Aiga encapsulates the basis of our existence as Samoans, 2. To remember in a Samoan aiga, the pathway to leadership is only through service. May Absolute Integrity and Service be Aiga be at the forefront of your very existence as a Samoan.

Ps: I understand that there are many views on this notion of Tautua and Aiga, however please forgive my two paragraphs if inconsiderate and offensive to any Samoan people. Manuia