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Lt Governor Insists American Samoa’s Self Determination Must Be Preserved

May 12, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va'alele Ale and Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata took part in a congressional hearing, in which the Lieutenant Governor testified in "strong opposition" to a proposed Insular Cases Resolution, and the Congresswoman agreed and supported the Lieutenant Governor's call to ensure protections of American Samoa's culture, land and traditions. Instead, they urge that Congress must consult with American Samoa, and distant courts should not decide the status of the people.

 


Lieutenant Governor Talauega testifying on self-determination issues.

The legislative hearing was before the full House Committee on Natural Resources on the Insular Cases Resolution.

Talauega testified, "Our voice and our message are extremely clear: We want any change in our political status and rights under federal territorial law to be decided by elected leaders in the local government, our people and our elected representative in Congress and fellow members of Congress, not by unelected federal judges who we have no voice in nominating or confirming, who handed down the Insular Cases the last time Congress deferred to the courts on the question of political status of territories in 1901."

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Congressional hearing on Insular Cases


Congressional hearing on Insular Cases

Lieutenant Governor Talauega's entire opening statement is available to read here.

In introducing her questions, Uifa'atali reinforced the Lieutenant Governor's message to Congress, "One may disagree with the racist tones underlying the Insular Cases, but don't abandon the wishes of the residents of American Samoa in the process," she said. "Finally, I want to point out that American Samoa is unique by virtue that it became the only U.S. territory by deeds of cession, starting in 1900. The matai (local chiefs) of Tutuila, the largest island in American Samoa, voluntarily ceded the island to the United States in 1900. And Manu'a followed in 1904."


Video of the Congresswoman's remarks leading to question and response

 

 

Issues:Congress