Aualamafalelima Tofilau Eti Alesana



S. of James Enoka Alesana & Vaoita Iosefa Petaia

Aualamafalelima Tofilau Eti Alesana
Born 4.6.1924 at Vaitogi, American Samoa, Pacific Isles
Occ. Samoan Politician/Prime Minister
Marr. Pitolua To'omata in 1947 at Malua, Upolu, American Samoa


Children

Toetu
Vaoita
Gatoloaifaana Amataga
Aniva
Eti
Enoka
Kapeneta
Merina
Savaliolefilemu
Viliamu (William)
Eveligi (Evelyn)


NOTE

Eti had two children before he was married: Lupe & Moana Alesana.

"When my grandpa James Hunkin-Alesana was the principal of the Samoan Congregation Church at the time. He was the first Samoan principal after the hand over of the church to be run by Samoans by the London Missionary Society (L.M.S), who brought christianity to Samoa... Hope that info helps you more.. Yes, that is my Dad on Dr. Sutter's book, he was a very influential character but he did have a lot of his English characteristics in him that influenced the way we were raised in such a strong Samoan cultural life." (Kapeneta Alesana-Salamo)

In 1957 he was elected to the legislative council, and in 1958 he became health minister. He helped draft the constitution for the newly independent state of Western Samoa. Alesana helped form the Human Rights Protection Party which won power in 1982. Alesana served as prime minister for the first time from 1982 until 1985 when he was deposed by Parliament with the help of disgruntled members of his own party. He regained control of the party in 1988 and became prime minister. Alesana led the party to almost complete control of the country, with more than a 2/3 majority in the Parliament. In 1997 Alesana's government changed the country's name from Western Samoa to Samoa. He did much for the country and helped advance it among the other pacific islands.

Alesana began to suffer from health problems in the 1990s, finally resigning as Prime Minister in November 1998 but remained a member of Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio until his death in the capital, Apia. His party still holds power. Alesana was also foreign minister of Samoa from 1984 to 1985 and from 1988 to 1998.

Tofilau is the first of a prominent political family in both Samoas. He is the uncle of former Governor of American Samoa, Tauese Pita Alesana as well as the former U.S. Congressional Representative Fofo Sunia, the present Lt.Governor of American Samoa, Faoa Aitofele Sunia and present Congressional representative, Eni Hunkin also of American Samoa.

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