Forty-three new matai titles were bestowed upon members of the Toomalatai family in a saofai ceremony held in Matautu this week, marking a significant event for the village.

The ceremony brought together heirs from Samoa and overseas, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. It was a rare occasion for the family to formally recognise their lineage and strengthen ties among scattered relatives, according to Orator Chief Feagaimaalii Bruce Toomalatai.

“This is one of the very special events that has happened to my family,” said Feagaimaalii. “We wanted the heirs to get the titles of our family, to make sure they are recognised and know they are from the Toomalatai family.”

According to Feagaimaalii, the last large-scale bestowment of titles happened several years ago, making the event particularly meaningful.

Each of the 43 new titleholders received a distinct Matai title, reaffirming their responsibilities within the family and the village. “Any Matai in Samoa, you are entitled to customary land,” Feagaimaalii said, highlighting the cultural importance of the titles. Matai titles included Afafaalogoalemoaula, Lemaluoalosina, Puaaefu, Puaauli, Seumanuula, Leefu, Leuli and many more.

All the bestowers were under the sa'o, or the high chief of the village, Toomalatai Lepili Feagaimaalii, alongside Orator Feagaimaalii Bruce and Feagaimaalii Malaeliua.

The ceremony also touched on broader concerns regarding ancestral land. The family has long sought recognition of lands historically belonging to their ancestors.

Feagaimaalii said the bestowment underscores both the enduring significance of Samoan cultural practices and the continuing connection of overseas families to their heritage. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations around customary land rights and recognition in Samoa.

The high chiefs of the family hope that the new titleholders, now formally recognised, will play a role in maintaining the family’s cultural traditions and advocating for future generations.