The Tokatoka Nacokovakarua Trust, located in Ba, has recently celebrated a significant milestone after five years of dedicated negotiations. The trust has successfully received and distributed compensation connected to mining activities that affected its land.
Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa, president of the VITI Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA), announced the completion of a compensation process valued at $62,000. He emphasized that this achievement marks an essential step in a lengthy journey towards equity for the Indigenous community. Nawaqa expressed gratitude to Lion One Metals Limited for their commitment to compensating the damages incurred from 2019 to 2025, underlining his excitement about the progress made.
In addition to the compensation payment, the Tokatoka Nacokovakarua Trust also received a notable $42,000 Top Soil Compensation payout, which also reflects the same period. The compensation is set to benefit 130 community members, as listed in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB), ensuring that all ages, from children to elders, experience the positive impact of this financial support.
Nawaqa stated, “This compensation supports the Cola Vina Community Plan, helping ensure financial security for all members,” illustrating how the compensation is tied to broader community welfare initiatives. The Tokatoka Nacokovakarua Trust is recognized as a pioneering Land Owning Unit (LOU) within its region, having secured the first Top Soil Compensation settlement after extensive consultations with the Lion One Mining Company.
Looking ahead, Nawaqa mentioned that the trust intends to build upon this achievement to pursue further community development goals, which could lead to enhanced quality of life for its members and sustainable growth for the region. This positive trajectory highlights the potential for ongoing collaboration between Indigenous trusts and mining companies to drive meaningful change and support the aspirations of local communities.
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