The Namulauulu family's celebration at Olotuli, Fogapoa in Savai'i on Tuesday was doubly special.

The family not only opened a new laoa (meeting house) but also celebrated the bestowal of new chiefly titles for the descendants of Tiumalu. 

Pastor Ioane Viliamu officiated the service to bless the new building. He was joined by other members of the clergy of Fogapoa in blessing the new title holders. 

The High Chief of Safotulafai, Leilua Pealii Akapo, was also present along with hundreds of people who assembled to witness the momentous occasion. 

Letufuga Timo, a Judge at Samoa’s Land and Titles court spoke on behalf of the family to bless the new title holders, reminding them to always honour the title they now carry.

“To be a matai is to be a servant, so serve your family well and with honor," the Judge said. 

“Do not receive the title today then you forget about the people who gave that to you. You must love the family and help them whenever you can.”

Bestowing new chiefly titles came at a perfect time when the descendants of Tiumalu and Namulauulu gathered to open the family’s new laoa.

Namulauulu Sami Leota, the Member of Parliament for Faasaleleaga No. 2, said the new laoa for the family was a dream come true. 

“It has been a dream come true for the family because our previous title bestowal ceremonies (saofai) were done under the tents since the old fale was destroyed by past cyclones and we all have been looking forward to work on this project together,” Namulauulu told the Samoa Observer.

Raising funds and making the family’s dream come alive was no easy task, he said.

“It’s expensive to put together a project like this but with family effort put together, the load was light. 

“This is evident [in] the [family] members' solidarity; a great effort to work together [...] for the common good of the family. 

“The work would not have been possible if it weren’t for the team effort by the whole extended family not just by those that are residing overseas but also here in Samoa.

“The fale was built by the family carpenters living in Fogapoa and [it was] their offer to build the fale for free.

“We truly appreciate all of them as well s the ladies (faletua ma tausi, saoao ma tamaitai) of the Tiumalu family [who] were feeding the carpenters on a daily basis.

“We also acknowledge those that were kind enough to donate various items (ava, food and moneis) to  assist us with our work. May god bless your giving heart.”

Altogether, there are 40 new Namulauulu title holders and 17 new title holders for the titles Tiumalu and Patolo.