Eti Saaga, also spelled Eti Sa'aga, (February 2, 1950 – December 13, 2017) was a Samoan-born American Samoan poet, writer, journalist, press officer, television and radio host, and producer. His most well-known poem, "Me the Labourer", is studied as part of the curriculum at universities throughout Oceania, including Fiji, New Zealand, and his native Samoa.[1][2][3] Saaga, who emigrating from Samoa to American Samoa in 1978, also served as a speech writer, press officer and translator for the late U.S. Congressman Eni Faleomavaega for more than 20 years.[1][2]
Saaga was born on February 2, 1950, in Apia, Samoa.[2] In 1970, Saaga graduated from Samoa College, where he studied under Albert Wendt, an English teacher and novelist who was one of his greatest influences.[1][2][3] He did not accept a scholarship offer to study in New Zealand, choosing, instead to work as a road builder and labourer in Samoa.[1] During this time, Saaga wrote his most famous poem, "Me the Labourer", which is now taught at colleges and universities throughout Australia and the Pacific Islands.[1]
Saaga next worked as a journalist for the Samoa Times, based in Apia, during the 1970s.[3] In 1978, he emigrated to nearby American Samoa with his wife, Otilia Hunkin Saaga.[1][2] He soon became a press officer for the American Samoan Department of Education.[1]
Saaga then worked for the late U.S. Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS) for more than twenty years as a senior aide, press officer, speechwriter, and translator.[1] He also worked as a broadcaster and announcer for KSBS-FM Flag Day programming during this same era.[3]
Saaga died at the Kuakini Medical Centre in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 13, 2017, at the age of 67.[1][3] He had been in declining health for the previous six years.[3] He was predeceased by his wife, Otilia Hunkin Saaga, and survived by their four children.[1]
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