Fatu Feu'u considers this work as one of the most important of his career. IA MANA was first displayed in an exhibition in Feu'u's village of Poutasi, Samoa in 2012. The exhibition commemorated the 50th anniversary of Samoa's independence from New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa.

Prime Minister Sir John Key formally opened the exhibition. The painting also references former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who travelled to Samoa in 2002 for the 40th anniversary of Samoa's independence and offered an apology to Samoa for the failings of New Zealand's early colonial administration. In 2009 Poutasi was devastated by a tsunami which became a catalyst for the majority of Fatu's future work. An important icon of this painting is the 'I' which is apparent in many of Feu'u's works. This represents unity between communities, families and individuals.