Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tamāli’i Polynesian Entertainment, a Pacific dance and cultural group led by Dion and Gabrielle Ott, established in 2015 in Arizona, US, were the only invited group from off-island to participate in the 126th American Samoa Flag Day and the 50th Annual Performing Arts Celebration.

For the group, being invited to perform in American Samoa was more than a trip — it was a historic and emotional homecoming for many of their members, according to the Founders/ Directors Dion and Gabrielle, in an email to Samoa News, sharing photos and their pride in performing.

They said, “For some, it was their first time stepping onto the land of their ancestors. For others, it was a chance to represent Samoan culture abroad and return with gratitude.

“Our group was proud to march in the parade, perform on stage, and stand as representatives of Samoans living in the United States and throughout the diaspora. It was a moment of pride not only for our team, but for every family who has carried culture across oceans and generations.“

The Otts said their journey “reflects the power of culture to unite people, no matter the distance. It is about heritage, service, family sacrifice, and the next generation carrying the torch forward.“

The Pacific dance and cultural group from Arizona were a proud part of this year’s Flag Day festivities.

In a shift away from the long‑standing tradition of inviting local villages — and groups from Samoa — to perform traditional songs and dances, the Siva & Pese portion of the entertainment program, this year the Flag Day organizing committee selected local high schools to provide the cultural entertainment.

Officials said the change offered a valuable opportunity for young people to learn, practice, and showcase Samoan performing arts, ensuring that these traditions continue to be passed down to the next generation.

The four high schools selected to perform traditional entertainment this year were Faga‘itua, Samoana, Leone, and Manu‘a High Schools, each receiving $15,000 for their presentations. Nu‘uuli Vocational Technical High School and Tafuna High School were awarded $10,000 each for reciting the 126th Flag Day Proclamation in Samoan and English.

In addition to their recitations, Tafuna High School was tasked with providing a float for the celebration and conducting a drone demonstration. Nu‘uuli PolyTech also provided a float and showcased student‑made projects from its various trade programs — an assignment that aligned with the school’s vocational mission and highlighted student craftsmanship.

The Tamāli’i Polynesian Entertainment group also provided a float and walked in the Flag Day parade.