Samoa’s reigning Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke, is fully prepared to take on the challenges of the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands pageant. Her recent journey back to Savaii, the beautiful island of her heritage, has been pivotal in her preparation, immersing her in the deep cultural roots and traditions of her ancestors.
Moemoana spent a significant amount of time in the villages of Asau and Auala, absorbing the knowledge and skills passed down through generations, an experience she cherishes as a divine blessing. “It was very fitting, very important to be back home in my villages of Auala and Asau and also the other villages of Savaii,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of her cultural and spiritual grounding in her journey.
She also spent valuable time with her aunties, the local weavers, learning the patience and skill involved in traditional Samoan weaving, particularly the art of making ‘ie toga’. This not only enriched her understanding of Samoan culture but also ignited a warrior spirit within her, further fueled by training sessions with her father, Frederick Schwenke, a renowned fire knife dancer and co-director of the Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts.
Moemoana’s preparation in Tufutafoe, a place rich in Samoan history and legend, has been a spiritual experience, connecting her with her ancestors and the legacy they have left behind. She feels a deep responsibility to carry on this legacy and sees her participation in the pageant as much more than a contest of beauty. “It’s a fight for our history, it’s a fight for the preservation of our culture,” she asserts.
The Miss Pacific Islands pageant is more than a beauty contest for Moemoana; it’s an embodiment of cultural pride and heritage preservation. As she readies herself for the event, hosted by Nauru from January 28th to February 4th, 2024, she carries with her the collective support and prayers of the Samoan people. She is also continuing a family legacy in pageantry, following in the footsteps of her mother, Maryjane McKibbin, a former Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific.