On the same trip to Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Mele Murals team were sponsored by the U.S. Embassy of New Zealand / Samoa to create a project at the Nelson Memorial Public Library in Apia, Samoa. Once we ran our process of grounding and cultural practices with the administration of the Library and Embassy, we ran through several groups of children with our drawing exercises.

We were honored to have a screening of the Mele Murals Film for the students and press at the National University of Samoa. After the screening, we held a community paint session with the children from the “Turn a Life Around” program.

Our cultural kūpuna from Nelson Memorial Library were able help us focus on the right story of “Sina ma le Tuna” (Sina and the eel and the first coconut tree). We also weaved the story of a princess that was to be persecuted and burned at a stake, but was saved by an army of bats. It is with the intention to uplift the Samoan folklore and culture that we visited Apia. We remind the community of Apia that the children can paint the stories of their people and that this should be promoted in their town.