Talanoa - Seuli Tiare Chanel Fidow Part 1

This month on Talanoa, we revisit an important conversation from April 23rd, 2025, featuring our MANA Arts and Cultural Program Director, Ara-Lei Yandall, who joined the Fa'afafine Rural Program of American Samoa for a powerful panel titled "Reclaiming Fa'afafine." The dialogue explored the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous identities, with a focus on the erasure, marginalization, misrepresentation and distortion of Fa'afafine experiences. As we bring Pacific Island Heritage Month to a close, in Part 1 of this conversation, we look to utilize this episode to extend that dialogue, spotlighting the voices of Fa'afafine in diaspora who continue to face direct targeting and systemic challenges. We examine what reclamation and resistance look like today, and how cultural resilience is sustained across oceans and generations. Join us in centering the stories, struggles, and strength of Fa'afafine communities as we continue to share, reflect, and uplift through the ancient menthod of TALANOA.