Senator Hatch quoted that "there are two Tongans to every one Samoan in Utah," meaning that the Tongan population is the fastest growing and largest Pacific Islander community in Utah (October 2000, WVC Hall). In 1995 a handful of people acknowledged the growing Tongan community and their struggle to meet the daily challenges of living in America, thus the National Tongan American Society was organized.

     In 1995 the society began by assisting 80 people to successfully obtain their American citizenship. Today, the society services and touches thousands of Tongan and non-Tongan lives through the various programs it offers.

     The National Tongan American Society seeks to fulfill its mission by creating and maintaining programs that meet the needs of the Tongan community. In addition, it seeks to encourage the Tongan "'ofa fakakainga" that crosses racial, class, village, and religious boundaries.

     The National Tongan American Society was organized and received its 501-C-3 in 1995. The organization is federally recognized as a non-profit entity.

     The National Tongan American Society conducts business with a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. It has a rotating seven member Board that is overseen by a permanent Executive Board along with appointed Officers who oversee the various programs.