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Manu’a’s Park Ranger and native son — takes up new opportunity with NPS

Fuiava Bert Fuiava
Source: NPAS staff

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After 13 successful years at the National Park of American Samoa, Manu’a Ranger Fuiava Bert Fuiava is moving to Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada for another opportunity with the National Park Service.

A native-born son of American Samoa from the village of Faleasao, Fuiava is a graduate of Manua High School. He holds a A.A. degree from ASCC, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Masters degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University.

“The National Park of American Samoa has been very lucky to have Bert as an employee and leader during his time here,” said Scott Burch, Superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa. “His excellent work ethic, dedication to public service, focus on safety and commitment to preserving and protecting the natural resources of American Samoa for future generations has been an inspiration to us all.”

He first started working at the National Park of American Samoa in 2009 as a Marine Biological Technician and SCUBA Diver after first working at DMWR as a Fishery Biologist. In 2014 he became the Park Dive Officer and also served as the Acting Marine Ecologist from 2016 to 2018. In 2020 he became the NPS Manu’a Ranger. In his new role at Lake Mead NRA, Fuiava will serve as a Park Ranger, within the Interpretation and Education Branch under the Resource Management and Visitor Services Division.

Bert holds the Matai High Talking Chief title Fuiava from the village of Faleasao, Manu’a. He is an active member of the Faleasao village council and has contributed to many villages and church projects including the renovation of the Church Hall, where he was the project lead.

Pua Tuaua, NPS Cultural Liaison, explains the value of Fuiavas’ contribution to community relations. “The National Park of American Samoa has been very fortunate to have someone from the Manu’a islands who has the experience and knowledge of the culture like Fuiava. His communication skills have brought our partnerships with the villages of Manu’a that much closer,” said Tuaua. “It has been a privilege to work with him and I wish him all the best in his new job.”

Fuiava is a Deacon at the Christian Congregational Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) in Utulei, under the leadership of Reverend Elder John and Tinā Ina Evagelia. He is also a member of the CCCAS in Faleasao, under the leadership of Reverend Elder Iosefa and Tinā Fouina Autele.

“I am very proud to have served our local communities and our people while working at the National Park of American Samoa for the past 13 years,” said Fuiava. “I am also honored to be a part of such an innovative group of people and beyond proud to be a member of our National Park aiga. Under the great leadership of Superintendent Scott Burch and others before him, I’ve accelerated to greater heights and done the impossible. This has brought me the confidence to move on and take the challenge of working at a larger park like Lake Mead NRA. I hope to return in the future and continue to serve our underserved communities.”

David Alberg, Division Lead for Resource Management, Interpretation, and Compliance at Lake Mead National Recreation Area explains why he hired Fuiava. “Bert brings to Lake Mead an incredible breadth of experience and a passion for interpreting our National Parks. Throughout his career, Bert has proven himself to be a thoughtful and innovative leader. He has a demonstrated track record of community engagement and building partnerships that will serve our visitors and the communities around Lake Mead well.” said Alberg. “He will be a wonderful addition to the Lake Mead team.”

 “E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai – life may take someone far from home, but they will always return home. Please join all of us at the National Park of American Samoa in congratulating Fuiava on his success,” Scott Burch added. “And join us in our hope he can return home someday to continue the great work that helps our local community in American Samoa.”