A call has been made to preserve the cultural identity of Fiji’s indigenous people during a consultation by the Constitution Review Commission at Vatukarasa Village in Nadroga.
Apakuki Tasere urged the commission to retain the term “Fijian” exclusively for the indigenous people of Fiji.
He said indigenous Fijians embody the vanua and its cultural traditions, adding that customary practices and protocols should not be overlooked.
“The word Fijian is deeply rooted in the vanua,” Mr Tasere said, stressing the importance of protecting indigenous identity and traditions.
Mr Tasere also called for the removal of Section 4 of the 2013 Constitution and advocated for greater recognition of indigenous institutions and values in the country’s supreme law.
He further proposed that Fiji be recognised as a Christian state.
“We should be recognised as a Christian state because that is what we were before the 2013 Constitution.”
In his submission, Mr Tasere also called for the recognition of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) in the Constitution and proposed that it be given the authority to elect the head of State.
He further suggested the re-establishment of the senate, with membership drawn from the GCC and representatives of Fiji’s various cultural and social groups.
The Constitution Review Commission is currently conducting public consultations across Viti Levu as part of its nationwide review process.
