Blog — Samoan history

Samoa, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit like those of its Pacific brothers and sister countries, has a history marked by periods of foreign influence and colonisation. The journey to independence is a story of struggle, resilience, and eventual triumph. As we prepare to celebrate Samoa’s 62nd year of Independence on 1st June 2024, let us reflect on how far we have come.   The Colonial Era Begins 1722: The arrival of Europeans marked the beginning of a new era for Samoa. The islands were first sighted by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen.   1768: French explorer...