We had the honor of sitting down with the one and only Tiana Nonosina Liufau, a true legend in Pacific Islander storytelling, dance, and culture. As a key cultural consultant on Moana 2, Tiana is dedicated to ensuring that Polynesian representation in media is both accurate and deeply respectful of its origins.
A Lifelong Dedication to Representation
“Representing Pacific people period, whether in a Disney movie or not, is something I've dedicated my life to,” Tiana shares. With lived experience and a deep commitment to her culture, she considers working with Disney a blessing. However, she emphasizes the fine line that exists when it comes to cultural representation in the industry.
“We are not extinct. We are a living and thriving culture.”
This understanding is why she was brought onto Moana 2, to ensure that Pacific narratives are told authentically. As a member of the Oceanic Trust, a cultural advisory group for the film, she explains the significance of their role. “What's great is that we, as Polynesians, talk story. We share the teachings of our elders and ancestors, and we come to a common ground to make sure we are not just representing ourselves as individuals, not just our families, not just our villages, not just our islands, but us. Us as a nation.”
The Journey to Disney and Beyond
Working on a global project like Moana and now Moana 2 has only reinforced Tiana's dedication to cultural preservation. “I never set out to ‘make it' in the industry,” she says. “I wanted to be a cultural practitioner first. That has always been my focus.”
One of the most rewarding aspects has been her involvement with the Oceanic Trust. “There are 12 to 13 of us on the trust, and what makes me happy is that every single one of us is considered an expert, not because of a resume, but because of our service, our mana, and our dedication to our people, our islands, and our culture,” she explains. She praises Disney for ensuring that cultural authenticity was a focal point. “The fact that Disney made sure there was a cultural trust, that solidified for me that I was in the right place. And I'm very grateful for that.”
Rooted in Culture, Grounded in Education
Tiana is the daughter of Melvin Liufau, who was born in Samoa, raised in American Samoa, and eventually made his way to Laie, O‘ahu, and then California. Her mother, Riki Reid Liufau, is of Samoan and Hawaiian descent, with Tongan heritage as well. “All in all, I am Polynesian, period,” she proudly states.
Born and raised in Anaheim, Tiana later moved to West L.A. for college, attending UCLA, where she majored in World Arts & Culture, Dance, Cultural Studies, and Ethnomusicology. “I don't come from a family of scholars in the traditional sense, but I do come from a lineage of culture keepers, through music, dance, storytelling, and navigation,” she says. “The most influential people in my life weren't defined by degrees, but by their lived experiences.”
She emphasizes the importance of broadening the perspective of Pacific Islanders in professional spaces. “I love being Polynesian, and I love being an artist. But I also want to be an artist who happens to be Polynesian. I don't want to be a ‘Polynesian academic,' I want to be an academic who happens to be Polynesian.” Tiana believes that by shifting this mindset, Pacific Islanders can secure seats at important tables. “We have ancestral knowledge that has been passed down for generations. It's up to us to put ourselves out there, utilize resources, and share our stories.”
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength in Identity
One of Tiana's biggest personal challenges was proving herself beyond being “her parents' daughter.” “Growing up in the Polynesian cultural world, being born and raised in California, it was hard. I'd go back and forth to O‘ahu and never quite fit in,” she recalls. “I never felt like I was enough in either world.”
She overcame these struggles by fully embracing her identity and her journey as both an artist and a human being. “I realized I can't be a tree with no roots. I had to dig deeper into my genealogy, my native tongue, protocols, and customs.”
“Polynesians, our highway is our ocean, and our car is our canoe. My voyage didn't stop traveling. It landed here, and I'm here to tell my story.”
The Heart of Service
For Tiana, service — tautua — is everything. “Service isn't just about serving our families or our villages, it's about serving our people as a whole. It's knowing our relationships, our time and space, and our role.”
She wears the malu, the traditional Samoan leg markings, as a daily reminder of this commitment. “Service comes in many forms. It can be giving back to those who fed you, mentored you, or even just checking in on people. Sometimes, it's about simply showing up.” And in her most powerful statement yet, she declares:
“If you don't serve, I think it's impossible to call yourself a leader.”
What She Would Tell Her People
If given the world's ear, Tiana would offer two pieces of advice specifically to Pacific people: seek mana, and remember that you come from a race of warriors. She hopes that these words inspire others to explore their own cultural depth and strength.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks a milestone year. Nonosina, her renowned dance company, will celebrate 60 years of cultural excellence. Her dance crew will perform at the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival, the “Olympics of Hula.” And all eyes are on the highly anticipated live-action Moana. Tiana, alongside her co-creative Kayla Fa‘amaligi, is bringing the heat. “It's a 100% Polynesian cast, so stay tuned for that. It's coming next year!”
With all that she has accomplished and all that she continues to do, we are endlessly grateful for Tiana's work in preserving, uplifting, and sharing Pacific Islander culture with the world.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, March 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 3).
March 2025 · Digital Magazine
