People should not be offended when the term “vulagi” is used for them because it has a deep and important meaning in the iTaukei context.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this while speaking at the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People in Suva yesterday.
“You will notice that when the tabua (whale’s tooth) was presented before me, I told the young chief Roko Tui Colo — I have accepted it,” Mr Rabuka said.
“And also to the Roko Tui Suva — I have accepted the kamunaga (whale’s tooth).
“Before I was being garlanded, I asked them if it was OK for me to put on the salusalu.
“These are the deeper meanings of the two words — iTaukei and vulagi.”
Mr Rabuka said if people were called vulagi, they should not be offended.
“From today onwards if you are called vulagi, do not take offence.
“It’s a term used by the iTaukei to acknowledge you and you become their responsibility.
“And for the iTaukei, you acknowledge that responsibility and undertaking.
“So if you do not understand the words of the address please understand the meaning.
“The deeper meaning of the words and the ceremonies and the day we acknowledge today.”
Mr Rabuka said traditional landowners were to be acknowledged.
“The chiefs who had settled in the land we live in.
“We acknowledge their values and the values of their accommodation.
“When they decided to accommodate visitors who came after.
“The acknowledgement as vulagi with a term of respect.
“A term showing acknowledgement, a term acknowledging commitment to be hosts.
“Hosts meaning the whole meaning of the word — I host you, I will provide for you and I will protect you.”
