FOR some time, the iTaukei traditional identity has been exploited and abused for commercial and personal gain, thus it is losing its uniqueness, importance and its value.
The use of war club such as artefacts, the traditional fan, mats and tapa for commercial and personal gain like the entertainment industry is a worrying issue that the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs believes is exploitation of a cultural aspect known only to the indigenous people.
Article 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People states: “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literature, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.”
According to iTaukei Affairs Ministry permanent secretary Naipote Katonitabua, the draft Traditional Knowledge Cultural (TKCE) Expression Bill will be able to protect the iTaukei from illegal commercial exploitation of their identity.
“It is really a concern and we are thankful that Government has come up with the TKCE Bill that will protect the iTaukei people,” he said.
“The Bill will ensure that should there be any financial gain from the use of any indigenous items, artefacts etc. the traditional owners are sure to have their cut.
“One thing we have seen is that most people and businesses have gained a lot and yet the traditional owners have not had their fair share.”
Mr Katonitabua added the Bill would be tabled in the next Parliament sitting.
During its wide public consultation on the draft village bylaws, Mr Katonitabua reaffirmed that the draft legislation was not there to harm or undermine the traditional knowledge and indigenous setting.
He said the hope of the draft legislation was to protect the iTaukei setting, preserve, encourage, enhance and strengthen iTaukei culture, customs and traditions.
