A Pattern for Teaching Indigenous Culture.

The article presents an outline of the objectives for the study of Samoan history and indigenous culture that was created and proposed as a pattern by a committee of seven Samoan educators. As a result of learning under such a framework, Samoan pupils are expected to be able to explain the traditional matai or chieftain social system, the manner in which the islands were governed, the nature of the traditional material culture of old Samoa, traditional Samoan occupations, the oral arts, music, and dance practiced in traditional Samoan culture, original Samoan religious beliefs, legends and religious practices, ceremonies that were part of old Samoan culture, Samoan forms of games, sports, recreation , and entertainment, fauna, flora, and non-living elements that were significant in traditional Samoan life.