The significance of iTaukei identity transcends cultural heritage—it encompasses understanding one’s role within the vanua, the community or land. This crucial notion was underscored by Simione Sevudredre, founder of Sauvaka Cultural Consultancy, during the recent Indigenous Youth National Forum held in Suva. He highlighted the need for indigenous youth to recognize their identity and place in order to effectively serve their communities.
Mr. Sevudredre emphasized that before aspiring to be leaders, young people must first learn the value of service: “You must learn to serve before expecting others to serve you,” he stated. He articulated that the two-fold purpose of the forum was to cultivate a sense of humility among youth and to instill respect for others’ time, which he views as foundational to understanding and respecting the vanua.
The discussion also brought to light the importance of cultural identity in tackling climate change, a crucial concern for many indigenous communities. Talei Silibaravi, president of the Nadogo District Youth Council, expressed that an intimate knowledge of one’s heritage is vital for effective advocacy on climate action. She echoed the sentiment that reclaiming indigenous stories and wisdom is especially important in fostering resilience against climate challenges. “Traditional knowledge provides sustainable practices,” she noted, reaffirming the dual role of scientific advancements and heritage wisdom in contemporary environmental management.
Ifereimi Naqumu, manager for the iTaukei Affairs Board, highlighted how this robust connection to identity serves not only cultural preservation but also enhances adaptive capacity in the face of climate change. He explained that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is a valuable toolkit that can guide climate adaptation and mitigation, linking the past with present-day challenges.
The forum supported by organizations like ADRA and the National Youth Council, aimed at empowering young indigenous voices in safeguarding Fiji’s climate resilience. This collective effort demonstrates the hopeful potential of leveraging cultural identity and traditional practices to address modern challenges. As the youth bridge contemporary solutions with ancestral wisdom, there lies optimism for building a resilient future grounded in cultural heritage.
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