Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, is one of the recipients of the 2017 Stars of Oceania individual’s award.

The award recognizes distinguished individuals of and from Oceania for their exemplary service, leadership by example, nobility and strength to overcome challenges and rise above self-limiting doubts to achieve success.  

The focus of this year’s 2017 Stars of Oceania is on leaders of inspiration and accomplishment, primarily women.  

The theme of this year is: 'Triumph Through Resilience and Healing; Good leaders lead, Great leaders heal.’

The Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) is also receiving the Institutional Award.

The Deputy Prime Minister will receive the award on behalf of the organization.  

S.R.O.S. shares this award with the Pacific Islands Farmers Organization Network (P.I.F.O.N.) from Fiji.  

Inaugurated in 2006, The Stars of Oceania celebrates the contribution of indigenous Pacific Islanders and island residents whose heart and service is testimony to their humanity and love of the great Pacific Ocean and cultures from the islands they call home.   

This year, the Stars of Oceania Individual’s Award is honouring Fiame together with seven other women whose lives’ works have positively impacted the Pacific community.

The “Stars of Oceania” is co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii Pacific Business Centre Program, Olohana Foundation and the American Samoa Government.  

The benefits from the Awards night will support the Stars of Oceania Scholarship which is awarded to University of Hawaii students who are from the Pacific Islands or students conducting work that benefits Pacific Island countries.  

The ceremony will be held in Hawaii.