IT’S time for youths to fully embrace their iTaukei identity. This was a message reiterated to youths at the Indigenous Youth National Forum held in Suva in June.
The youths were told that their identity is not a relic of the past but is an inexhaustible wellspring of strength, resilience and profound wisdom.
iTaukei Affairs Board manager commercial, Filimoni Naqumu, who spoke to the youths at the forum, said their identity connects them to generations of ancestors who thrived in harmony with their land and sea.
“Actively leverage this wisdom,” he told the youths.
“Engage in intergenerational dialogue, learn from you elders and integrate the rich tapestry of traditional ecological knowledge into every aspect of your climate initiatives.
“Apply ancestral practices, such as the strategic planting of mangroves for coastal protection or sustainable farming techniques that honour the land, as innovative solutions to modern climate challenges.
“Above all lead with courage. Embody veiliutaki qaqa, the strong, champion and courageous leadership that defines our people.”
He called on youths to advocate fearlessly for their communities, for the preservation of their environment, and for a just and equitable future.
“Your voices, amplified through platforms like this forum and through the National Youth Council are critical in shaping national policy and inspiring action at every level.”
He said that the forum is not an isolated event but is a catalyst for a sustained, youth-led movement for climate action and indigenous empowerment across Fiji.
“Be the champions of change, the driving force for a sustainable, resilient Fiji, and a beacon of hope for other island nations facing similar challenges.
“Your collective efforts will not only secure your future but will also honour the legacy of those who came before you.”
Fiji is profoundly a youthful nation with a median age of 27.5 and over 60 per cent of its population are under the age of 35. Approximately one-third of Fiji’s population falls within the 18 to 25 age brackets.
“This demographic reality underscores the immense potential and critical role of young people in shaping the nation’s future, positioning them not merely as a segment of the population but as the driving force for transformative change,” Mr Naqumu said.
“And Fijian youths are already on the frontline of climate action, leading impactful initiative across the country.
The combined efforts of the iTaukei Affairs Board and the National Youth Council of Fiji creates a powerful and synergistic force for indigenous empowerment and climate action.
“The board provides the institutional framework, policy guidance and historical knowledge while the youth council brings grassroots energy, innovative spirit and a direct advocacy link for youth.
“The work of the youth council and the leadership demonstrates by Fiji’s youth embody the concept of veiliutaki qaqa, an iTaukei term signifying strong, champion or courageous leadership.
“This culturally resonant term elevates the efforts of young people, framing them as true champions for their communities and the nation.”
The iTaukei Affairs Board is now actively shifting beyond its traditional role of cultural preservation to embrace a more dynamic and proactive agenda focused on empowerment especially on youths. It involves not only administering iTaukei affairs but also actively transforming the economic and social landscape for indigenous Fijians.
Mr Naqumu said the board is addressing systematic barriers and creating new opportunities.
This was evident by discussions around iTaukei land legislation reforms aimed at empowering resource owners to utilise their land as direct equity participants in business opportunities.
“Initiatives like the potential establishment of an iTaukei Wealth Fund and the development of a national iTaukei Empowerment Framework further illustrate this commitment to fostering economic resilience,” he said.
“This proactive stance positions the board as a key driver of modern indigenous development, ensuring that iTaukei communities are not only preserving their heritage but also building a directly linking economic empowerment to climate resilience.”
He thanked the stakeholders and youth participants who made the forum a success.
Right: The work of the youth council and the leadership demonstrated by Fiji’s youth embody the concept of veiliutaki qaqa, an iTaukei term signifying strong, champion or courageous leadership. Picture: NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF FIJI
Youths at the Indigenous Youth National Forum last month in Suva. Picture: NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF FIJI
Youths that attended the forum were reminded to fully embrace their iTaukei identity. Picture: NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF FIJI