Happy Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
The month of May has truly been a blessing. We have witnessed a celebration of Pacific Islander cultures and an increased success of our community. Whether it’s through dancing, singing, studying, or competing, your Tautua Multi-Sports friends will continue to support you from afar. To end Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI), Tautua Multi-Sports want to highlight a few Pacific Islanders who have recently caught our attention. We acknowledge that there are so many outstanding Pacific Islander individuals who have done impactful work to represent their respective communities and islands. Thank you for everything you do.
Here are nine individuals who proudly represent their Pacific Island identity and culture.
American Samoa: Fou Faaiu
(United Airlines Pilot)
Looking for an actor? How about an actor that is multilingual, can perform, and also fly a plane? Look no further, Mr. Faaiu has it all! Born and raised on the island of American Samoa. Mr. Faaiu is on a mission to inspire others and make it known that we as Pasifika people belong in the aviation world. Fou founded the Soaring Samoan Group and has approximately 10 years of experience in airport customer service, inflight and corporate operations. Mr. Faaiu is very passionate about sharing his personal experiences and journey with other Pacific Islanders who wish to pursue a career in aviation. Fou Faaiu represents the Samoan people proudly!
American Samoa: Jonah, Sivelliia, and Lucy Jarrard
(Samoan Surfers)
Certain racial stereotypes claim that Samoans are only known to play football, rugby, or volleyball. However, the Jarrard siblings are breaking that stereotype by being one of the very few Samoan surfers whose entire family compete in surfing competitions! Upon learning that American Samoa had a surfing team, Tautua Multi-Sports (TMS) experienced a combination of surprise and joy at the existence of such a hardworking group of Samoans. Jonah, Sivelliia, and Lucy represent the territory of American Samoa within the surfing world. TMS is confident that they will persist in their efforts to "Surf for Samoa" to not only represent our island, but also motivate the future generations of individuals who will face similar challenges. Props to the American Samoa surf team!
The Kingdom of Tonga: Dinah Jane Hansen (Singer)
Dinah “the harmonious” Jane was born in Santa Ana, California in 1997. She was a former member of the entertaining multi-platinum girl group called Fifth Harmony. Ms. Jane openly expresses her love for her cultural heritage by actively promoting and showcasing her connection to the Kingdom of Tonga. She proudly displays her roots by wearing Tongan traditional attire, proudly waving and holding the Tongan flag, and occasionally therowing the T’z for Tonga symbol in the air! Dinah Jane recently released a new song called Ocean Song, which she dedicates to her culture, ancestors, and upbringing.
Show your support by checking out the official video of Ocean Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-1bXEDlreo
The Kingdom of Tonga: Talanoa Hufanga
(49ers Safety)
Talanoa Hufanga, also known as the Tongan Tiger, was born in Corvallis, Oregon and has a strong connection to his Tongan Roots. Mr. Hufanga was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the year 2021 and later became the Safety. He earned First Team All Pro and Pro Bowl Honors in the year 2022. The standout safety is currently recovering after suffering a torn ACL against the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is laser focused on returning to the field this upcoming season. Mr. Hufanga currently has 181 combined tackles, 52 assisted tackles, 2 sacks and 7 interceptions. The Tongan Tiger is yearning to get back on the field and play again! Talanoa Hufanga is always showing love to his Tongan roots by displaying the “T’z up” whenever he makes a big play and sharing his cultural heritage with his 49ers teammates.
Guam: Gilian Duenas
(Self-Taught CHamoru Artist)
Telling stories of the past with a stroke of a paint brush, weaving of the hands, and hoping that the future will not forget; this CHamoru artist knows how important her artwork is. Gilian Duenas, a gifted artist, is dedicated to creating meaningful art that will have an impact on her culture and the public alike. Her most recent piece of art, Protect the Ocean, is incredibly beautiful and inspirational. Through it, she is attempting to draw attention to the harm that has been done to our Pasifika Ocean and the impact it has on all the Pasifika people and our way of life. You can see more of her artwork on her Instagram page @gilli.art and website https://www.gilliart.com/
Marshall Islands: Kathy Jetnil-Kijner
(Climate Change Activist and Poet)
Kathy Jetnil-Kijner is a Marshallese poet, performance artist, and educator. Jetnil-Kijner received international acclaim through her poetry performance at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit in New York in 2014. Her writing and performances have been featured by CNN, Democracy Now, the Huffington Post, NBC News, National Geographic, and many more. In February 2017, the University of Arizona Press published her first collection of poetry, Iep Jāltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter. Kathy is a true believer of her work and is constantly sharing her love for her island with the public. She continues to battle valiantly against climate change in hopes that the Marshall Islands will one day be free of the effects of rising sea levels and climate change.
Cook Islands: Will Crummer
(Cook Islands Singer)
Born on Aitutaki island, one of the Cook Islands, Mr. Crummer moved to New Zealand in the early 1960s and became a well-known singer in Auckland. This was also during the time when Polynesian music was becoming increasingly popular. Mr. Crummer made a name for himself as both a singer and entertainer. One of his albums called Love Songs of Polynesia consists of slow, feel-good music written with lyrics from his native language.
Island of Hawaii: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Filmmaker, Artist, Educator, and Activist)
A Kumu Hula (Hula teacher), filmmaker, artist, educator and an activist, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is not only beating the odds as a Native Hawaiian māhūwahine (transgender women) but also breaking down barriers and stereotypes. She is a founding member of Kūlia Nā Mamo, a transgender health organization that was founded in 2003 with the goal of enhancing the lives of māhū wahine. Hinaleimoana is the recipient of National Education Association Ellison Onizuka Human and Civil Rights Award, Native Hawaiian Community Educator of the year, and White House Champion of Change. Furthermore, USA TODAY named Hinaleimoana as one of the Ten Women of the Century from Hawaii. As a decorated and respected scholar, Hinaleimoana strives for a better future for all those around her and for the upcoming generations who will come after her.
Fiji: Petero Civoniceva
(Former Professional Rugby League Footballer)
Petero Civoniceva was born on the beautiful island of Fiji in Suva and later on moved to Redcliffe, Queensland. As they say, "the apple does not fall far from the tree" — Peter Jr. surely followed and carried on his father's legacy by playing for the Redcliffe Dolphins. Mr. Civoniceva went on and made a name for himself in the rugby world, playing a combined number of 309 National Rugby League (NRL) games for the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers, and 51 test matches for Fiji and Australia. Petero is well-known for his toughness, fitness, and consistency. His consistency allowed him to win three premierships with the Broncos and played in eight winning State of Origin series with the Maroons. In 2018, he was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.
By no means is this list complete. There are so many other Pacific Islanders who continue to pave the way for future generations and bring awareness to their communities. If you know of anyone who would want to be highlighted on our website, please send us their information. Tautua Multi-Sports is here to provide awareness and recognition to our Pacific Island people.
