CULTURAL ICON AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE: MOEMOANA SAFA’ATO’A SCHWENKE PREPARES FOR THE MISS PACIFIC PAGEANT

Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke (Photo: Miss Samoa NSW, Facebook Page)

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Miss Pacific Pageant, all eyes are on the captivating Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, a shining beacon of cultural pride and environmental advocacy. Hailing from Samoa, Moemoana's journey to this prestigious pageant is a testament to her commitment to preserving Pacific heritage and addressing pressing environmental issues.

Moemoana, known for her outstanding performances as a Pacific Islands dancer and Siva Afi entertainer, has become a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural preservation. Her role as a Senior Tutor at the Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts centre since 2013 underscores her dedication to promoting and safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of Pasefika.

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Humanities, Moemoana's expertise extends beyond the stage. Her international acclaim as a female fire-knife pioneer, with a remarkable 1st Runner Up placement in the World Fire-Knife Championships in 2019, sets her apart as a trailblazer in the world of Pacific cultural arts.

In 2022, Moemoana showcased her versatility as an emerging writer and director with the debut theatre production 'Motu of Western Sydney,' a testament to her commitment to empowering Pacific youth through the arts. Her endeavors have not gone unnoticed, reaching over 4000 Pacific people in Sydney.

Beyond the arts, Moemoana has actively engaged in environmental advocacy. As a representative for Samoa and the Pacific in United Nations forums, including COP26 and the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties COP28 in Dubai, she brings a powerful voice to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the region.

Now, as she prepares for the Miss Pacific Pageant, Moemoana continues to champion the empowerment of youth, emphasizing the positive impact of Pacific cultures in addressing social, political, and environmental challenges. Her Tā Fesilafa’i Performing Arts Initiative in Samoa, which engaged over 400 young people, exemplifies her commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural ambassadors.

On social media, Moemoana shared a heartfelt message: “Taking you with me, Samoa. Through the various branches of your tree, you are connected to the entirety of your history. Samoa, may we never forget what makes us unique.”

As Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke prepares to represent Samoa on the Miss Pacific stage, she brings not only beauty and talent but a profound commitment to cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of Pacific youth. She stands poised to inspire and make a lasting impact on the Miss Pacific Pageant and beyond.