Luana Ross, a successful young entrepreneur and owner of Ross Samoa and Rivaiv affiliates, has been honoured with the prestigious chiefly title of Atuaia in her ancestral village of Siumu. 

The title, bestowed during a grand ceremony on Thursday, positions Atuaia Luana Ross among 60 newly titled chiefs from the four paramount houses of Tofaeono – Tama a Tumua. Other titles conferred included Tanealaepa and Taufaga’afa, symbolising a deep connection to the village's ancient traditions.

The day began with a church service, followed by a traditional ava ceremony at Taumainu’umau, the sacred ground of the Tofaeono family. This historic site, deeply tied to the village's origins, serves as the landing place of their founding ancestors. It is where the Sa Asomua and Aiga e Lua families reside and where the traditions of the falelua o tulafale (dual orator system) continue. The sacred lineage is protected by the revered figures of Tu’u’u, Li’o, and Uta’ile’uo, embodying the leadership and unity of the extended family.

During the ceremony, the newly appointed chiefs were reminded of the true essence of leadership: service to their families, village, and district, guided always by faith in God. It was a moment that carried the weight of responsibility and the promise of continued dedication to their extended family and community.

Expressing her humility and gratitude, for being bestowed this honour by her family, as the daughter of the late Robert Ross III and Fa’amuamua Nofoalii Ross, with her mother hailing from Siumu. 

In her speech, she honoured the legacy of her great-grandfather, the late Tanuvasa Saofa’i Tofaeono, stating, “This honour is a call to serve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before me. I hope to serve the Sa-Tofaeono family and the village of Siumu with the same dedication and humility.”

Known for her contributions to the community, Atuaia Luana remains committed to supporting her village and extended family... "I thank the Sa-Tofaeono family for this honour to serve our extended family and village of Siumu, or so they say - The Kings Village. I pray that we, the new chiefs will lead with grace, courage, and wisdom."

The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the Tofaeono family of Tauti Samuelu and Tofaeono Mealofa, whose legacy continues through this generation of chiefs. A total of 60 titles were bestowed—24 Atuaia, 15 Tanealaepa, and 21 Taufaga’afa—each one representing a renewed commitment to the future of their family and village.