When I say I am Samoan, I encompass a value - Meet MaryJane

MaryJane is Co-Director of Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts, a Pacific Cultural Centre based in Liverpool.

She is a Mother of 3, and wife to Fred. She shares with us her experience of representing Samoa as Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific in the late ’90s, an actress, radio producer and broadcaster, and a passionate advocate for Pacifica people and climate change.

Her presence in the room is one that you can find yourself being naturally drawn to, and as her journey unfolds we hear about the Pacific culture and region, their beliefs and values.

We listen to her experiences of colonisation and climate change and its effects on culture, people, environment. She has faced racism in both her island community and outside.

Throughout it all, she has remained grounded to her cultural values. The beauty of Western Sydney is represented by this strong women, and once again we come away feeling empathy, connected by stories and experiences that resonate - regardless of race, culture, religion or belief.

SameSame Different. This is Western Sydney Podcast by Western Sydney MRC.

This Podcast was funded by the NSW Government and sponsored by audiotechnica.