A call to confront long-standing grievances affecting the iTaukei community has been made by the Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, who accused the previous government of causing “so much damage” during its 16-year reign that continues to impact indigenous people today.
Speaking after the Rewa Provincial Council meeting, Ro Teimumu said discussions on Fijian identity must include a review of policies and legislation she believed weakened key iTaukei institutions and rights.
She said the abolition of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) through the 2007 decree was among the major decisions that affected the iTaukei community, removing an institution that had played an important role in Fiji’s history.
“What they did was they took right from the top and I think over 30 pieces of legislation targeting us iTaukei,” she said.
Ro Teimumu said the impact of those decisions needed to be addressed before the country could fully resolve wider questions surrounding identity and belonging.
“Those are the issues that need to be addressed first.”
She also raised concerns about the 2013 Constitution, claiming it had affected areas of importance to iTaukei people, including customary land and traditional fishing rights.
“That is our land, our qoliqoli, and gave us the heart of our discussions today.”
Ro Teimumu said unresolved issues from the past could not be ignored as they would continue to influence future generations.
She called for action to protect iTaukei culture, identity and interests, saying younger Fijians should not inherit unresolved challenges.
“The issue needs to be addressed and resolved because they will affect future generations.”
Her comments followed discussions at the Rewa Provincial Council on the identity of Fijians, as leaders continue to debate the role of culture, tradition and indigenous institutions in shaping Fiji’s future.
