This manuscript is a personal view of a possible Polynesian connection to pre-Columbian America and the Book of Mormon.

1. Why I'm writing this manuscript.

I've always been interested in the subject area of Polynesian migration, especially as it relates to my birth place American Samoa. Although I've read articles and books on the topic, I've never took it seriously until a few years ago. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have an added interest in this subject because of the claims by some LDS church leaders that Polynesians are descendants of a people whose story is recorded in the Book of Mormon.

• "In these islands of Samoa, Thou hast remembered Thine ancient promise 'unto them who are upon the isles of the sea' (2 Nephi 10:21)." (Apia Samoa Temple - Rededicatory Prayer by President Gordon B Hinckley, 4 September 2005.)
  
  
• "We thank Thee, that thousands and tens of thousands of the descendants of Lehi, in this favored land, have come to a knowledge of the gospel, many of whom have endured faithfully to the end of their lives." (Laie Hawaii Temple - By President Heber J Grant, 27-30 November 1919)
  
  
• "...the Polynesian Saints are characterized by a tremendous faith. Why do they have this great faith? It is because these people are of the blood of Israel. They are heirs to the promises of the Book of Mormon. God is now awakening them to their great destiny." (Mark E. Petersen: Conference Report, Apr. 1962, p. 112)
  
  

The Book of Mormon is a book that's purported to be a translation by Joseph Smith of ancient records written by a people that migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas. It's a religious article that's accepted by LDS members as scripture including me, but it's not seriously considered by others outside as a true history of the indigenous Americans. Despite being snubbed by many people including experts, I'm including it as an important part of my book. True or not, the Book of Mormon is special to me and it's an honor to write about it.

In 2003 I scoured the public library and the Internet for books and materials about Polynesia and Pre-Columbian America. In so doing I came across the text of the "Solo Ole Va" that was available online. I also found William Sullivan's book "The Secret of the Incas." These two things inspired me to begin writing notes that lead to this manuscript.

This is neither an archeological treatise nor an LDS theological lesson. It's a personal commentary on the germane information I compiled. Honestly, I'm a bit uncomfortable sharing this in public because I lack the technical expertise and writing ability to take on such an important task or the finesse to counter certain criticism. Deciding to make my thoughts public is a bit overwhelming. I mean, who am I? There are so many LDS Church members who can write well about LDS doctrines and science including LDS scholars in church institutions and colleges. Nevertheless, the impression this information had on me became the motivation to pursue this project and share my personal opinion whatever the consequences.

My ultimately goal is to find out if the Samoan "Solo ole Va" myth provides any insight into the Polynesian migration topic. I want to find out if there are traditions from the Pacific and the Americas that shed light on the true essence of the Solo. It was time to search for answers.

The Solo and other references I came across have convinced me that there are connections between ancient Polynesia and pre-Columbian America. I think these connections are more convincing than what the experts acknowledge. While words in the Samoan and pre-Columbian languages are different, a careful comparison of those words suggestively reveal some common roots. The similarity of words was very interesting to me and it's one of the highlights of this manuscript. Those words are listed in Appendix "A".

Whatever your position is about Polynesian migration and Mormon theology, I hope that you'll be patient and allow me to articulate my thoughts on these subjects. Please open your mind to the possibility of a human history with stories about a past that is clouded in mysteries and more often hidden by prejudices and ego.

This site contains a fraction of my notes. If you want to support my effort for putting this together and hopefully turning it into a book, please use the link below. Fa'afetai!  That's Thank you!

If you want to support this web site:

• 'Solo Ole Va' vs Genesis -Comparing the Book of Genesis to the Text of the Solo
  
  
• Poluto myth vs Lehi's dream -Comparing Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon to the "Polutu" myth from Polynesia
  
  
• Words from East and from West -Comparing words from several languages including Samoa, the Americas and Egyptian
  
  
• Consider these facts -Facts for consideration
  
  
• 'Solo Ole Va' Text -The actual text of the "Solo Ole Va"
  
  
• My Unscientific View -My humble unscientific view of how a group of people traveled from the Americas to the middle Pacific.
  
  

Send me a message if you have a comment - imanua @ yahoo.com