The vanua o Suva has pledged its full backing for former MP Niko Nawaikula and his advocacy on indigenous rights, during a talanoa session organized by his StandWithNiko (SWN) NGO at the Fijian Teachers Association hall in Suva yesterday. Speaking on the gathering, Tui Suva, Ratu Sanaila Madanavosa, praised SWN’s work in championing iTaukei rights and stressed the vanua o Suva’s long-standing concerns.
“O au sega ni kavou vei au na qai qo baleta na vanua o Suva e se tagi makawa tu mai (This movement is not new to me because the vanua o Suva has been crying for a long time),” Madanavosa said. “Me bau nanuma na kena vakayagataki na qele veikeimami na kawa ko keimami bula jiko edai (So that that generation living today could be considered in how our land is being used).” He added, “Au vakamalemaleka vei kena i liuliu ni da bau nanumi kena ena qaravi na i tavi. (I am thankful to Mr Nawaikula for remembering us (indigenous Fijians) in this).”
The vanua o Suva extended its thanks and offered support should the need arise. “Kevaka e vinakati me totaki keda na tikina, keimami rawa ni veivosaki na i liuliu ni yavusa, me keimami qai mai, mai veitokoni, ena kena qaravi na i tavi (If necessary for the matter to be addressed, we can consult with the clan chiefs, so that we can come and assist in the carrying out of this duty),” Madanavosa stated. He closed with an appeal for progress: “Me sa rauta na tagi, ka me vakavotukanataki e dua na ka baleti keimami (So that the crying will stop and something positive will come into fruition).”
About 50 people attended the session to show their support for Nawaikula’s advocacy.
Context and broader reflections
This event sits within a wider wave of indigenous-rights advocacy in Fiji. Related developments have seen Nawaikula signaling peaceful demonstrations to push for constitutional reforms he views as essential for iTaukei rights, including prior consultation on land and resource issues. Other leaders and provincial bodies have publicly backed indigenous-rights frameworks such as UNDRIP, signaling a growing appetite for dialogue and reform that encompasses traditional leadership, grassroots groups, and national institutions.
Observations and added value
– The gathering underscores the ongoing collaboration between vanua leadership and civil society actors in pursuing indigenous rights and land stewardship.
– It highlights a potential pathway for constructive dialogue between clan chiefs and advocacy groups in addressing sensitive land and resource issues.
– Readers may want to watch for whether this supportive stance translates into formal consultations or coordinated actions with other iTaukei groups and policymakers.
Summary
A Suva-based vanua leadership figure publicly pledged full support for Nawaikula’s indigenous-rights advocacy, framing the move as a continuation of long-standing community concerns and emphasizing collaborative action with clan leadership to address land and governance matters. This event aligns with broader national conversations on indigenous rights and constitutional reform, signaling ongoing engagement between traditional authorities and civil society.
Potential positive outlook
The expressed willingness to consult with chiefs and to work toward constructive outcomes offers hope for more inclusive discussions on land use and governance that respect iTaukei heritage while addressing contemporary needs.
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