John (Niko) Pātū is a Sāmoan language and Pacific Islands Studies teacher with experience working in the Hawaiian immersion schools teaching Sāmoan and social studies courses. He has a M.A. in Pacific Islands Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa, a graduate certificate through the Kahuawaiola Teacher Indigenous Teacher Education Program from the University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization. His current research involves Sāmoan language revitalization in the diaspora, with a particular focus in teaching Sāmoan through the medium of Hawaiian. Niko also works for Sāmoana Media, a social enterprise that focuses on promoting Samoan and Pacific Islander initiatives, particularly through education and the exploration of language, culture, history, and contemporary issues.

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FILM

Not a U.S. Citizen

PROGRAM AFFILIATION

HOMEGROWN: A Part Of/Apart From

COHORT YEAR

2024