New Ulu o Tokelau to attend American Samoa’s celebration [1]
Thursday, April 9, 2015 - 19:26. Updated on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - 11:54.
Ulu o Tokelau, the Titular Head of the Council Government of Tokelau, Hon Siopili Perez will attend the American Samoa’s Flag Raising Celebration on 17 April, according to a press statement today.
This year’s Flag Raising Celebration is going to be American Samoa’s 115th since the flag of the United States of America was raised over the island of Tutu’ila, now American Samoa in 1900.
The program for the two-days celebration includes feasting, parades, cricket matches, longboat races – fautasi, traditional dances and music competition.
Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory and has been administered by New Zealand since 1926.
Tokelau is made up of three islands, Nukunonu 3.5 square km, Fakaofo 4.7 square km and Atafu 4 square km with a population of 1,383. All Tokelauans are New Zealand citizens, and 7,173 Tokelauans live in New Zealand. Samoa is Tokelau’s closest neighbor, and it takes 24-30 hours to reach by boat.
The Ulu o Tokelau is currently visiting Samoa, with first lady Tase Perez, and assisted by Jovilisi Suveinskama and Miti Ngua-chun. They met the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sa'iele Malielegaoi today, 9 April. “The Ulu o Tokelau conveys his elders' gratitude with the support that is offered to his country,” the statement said. The Samoan Prime Minister was presented with traditional Tokelauan gifts.