The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated globally on 9th August, is a day of profound significance, particularly for nations like Fiji, where a rich tapestry of multiculturalism exists. Recognized by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder of the essential contributions that Indigenous peoples make to society and the importance of protecting their rights, cultures, and identities.
In 2023, the Fijian government marked this day with an elaborate celebration, underscoring its importance. However, in 2024, there was no formal acknowledgment or statement issued by the government. This absence is notable, especially when institutions such as the University of Fiji and the Bua Provincial Council took it upon themselves to recognize the day. Additionally, SWN Advocacy issued a statement emphasizing the protection of culture, language, and group rights as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These efforts, while commendable, raise important questions about why there was no formal government celebration this year and why it is crucial for Fiji to consistently observe this day.
Fiji is a multicultural nation with a diverse population that includes Indigenous Fijians (iTaukei), Indo-Fijians, Part Europeans, Rotumans, Chinese, Banabans of Rabi, and Polynesians of Kioa. In such a society, celebrating International Indigenous Peoples Day is not about elevating one group over others but about recognizing and respecting the unique contributions of each community. It is about acknowledging that the rights and traditions of the iTaukei are integral to Fiji’s national identity, just as the rights and cultures of all other communities are essential to the country’s social fabric.
The absence of a formal celebration in 2024 is particularly troubling when considering the historical context. During the Fiji First government from 2006 to 2022, Indigenous Fijians heavily relied on international conventions such as ILO Convention 169 (ILO169) and UNDRIP to voice their concerns about racial discrimination. In August 2012, they brought these issues before the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), highlighting over 30 anti-iTaukei laws that stripped them of their cultural autonomy, land rights, and constitutional protections. These laws, which included the termination of the Great Council of Chiefs and the imposition of the 2013 Constitution, were seen as direct attacks on the iTaukei’s rights and identity.
The 2013 Constitution in particular remains a point of contention. It removed the recognition of custom and customary laws and eliminated the right of prior consultation and consent on legislation affecting Indigenous communities - rights that were previously protected under the 1970 and 1997 Constitutions. Despite the change in government, these laws remain in place, and the current coalition government has yet to address these deep-seated issues. This is a matter of concern not just for Indigenous Fijians but for all ethnic communities in Fiji. It is important to stress that recognizing and celebrating Indigenous rights does not mean diminishing the rights of other ethnic groups. As one CERD committee member advised during the 2012 submissions, a government’s role is to recognize Indigenous rights to their full extent while also recognizing the rights and interests of other communities, and to balance these rights so that none topples the other. This balance is crucial in a multicultural nation like Fiji, where all communities - Indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, and others - contribute to the country’s identity and prosperity.
The spirit of UNDRIP and ILO169 benefits all ethnic communities in Fiji to varying degrees, and the task of any government is to ensure that these rights are protected and balanced.
Celebrating International Indigenous Peoples Day should be seen as an opportunity to celebrate multiculturalism and the unique cultural and ethnic diversity that makes Fiji special. It is a day for all Fijians to come together in the spirit of unity and mutual respect. In conclusion, the absence of a formal celebration in 2024 should prompt reflection on the importance of this day. Let us hope that in 2025, the Fijian government will recognize the significance of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and celebrate it in a manner that honors the contributions of all communities in Fiji. Celebrating this day is not just about indigenous rights; it is about fostering a nation where every culture and tradition is respected and valued.
Niko Nawaikula
President of SWN Advocacy