Fleur Ramsay bestowed chiefly title in Samoa

Fleur Ramsay, an international Indigenous and human rights lawyer with Blue Ocean Law, had the honor of being bestowed the Matai traditional chief title Alofipo from Sale’aula village on the island of Savai’i in Samoa. The saofa’i (ceremony) to commemorate this momentous occasion was held in Samoa.

The title of Alofipo is passed down from generation to generation. Her maternal grandfather Peseta Alofipo Peti Key also held the Alofipo title. Originally, Alofipo was the son of one of the founders of Savai’i. His father was Le’aula, and he settled in Sale'aula village. Since Alofipo used to drink kava at night with the spirits and ancestors, Alofipo has come to mean a circling, or gathering, of night. This is a Tulafale title, meaning that the titled one is both an advisor and mouthpiece for the non-speaking chiefs of the villages.

Today, Alofipo Fleur has the honor of holding the title for this generation, which comes with it the responsibility and honor of representing her ‘aiga (extended family). We at Blue Ocean Law celebrate this momentous event and congratulate our sister, who continues to shine, while advancing the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan Way).