Former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica has urged Fijians to adopt a more inclusive view of national identity, saying in a recent social media post that Indo‑Fijians are fully part of the nation and that recognising them as “Fijians” would not erode iTaukei identity. His intervention comes amid renewed public debate after a submission by the Great Council of Chiefs proposing that only iTaukei be called Fijians.
Kamikamica, who served as deputy prime minister, said his views on identity had changed with experience. “When I was in my 20s, to be Fijian was to be Taukei… partly upbringing, partly insecurity, partly the economic dominance of Indians and experience reinforced by prejudice,” he wrote. He acknowledged the historical context in which many Indo‑Fijians’ ancestors were brought to Fiji “involuntarily,” and argued that subsequent generations have made Fiji their home and contributed across society.
“They have represented Fiji in sport, government, everywhere. They know no other place,” Kamikamica said, adding: “So in my view, they belong here. They are our brothers and sisters. They are Fijian.” He pushed back on the idea that extending the name “Fijian” to include Indo‑Fijians would dilute iTaukei identity. “Does it make a difference to us as Taukei if we call them Fijians? Absolutely not,” he wrote.
Kamikamica also drew a religious analogy, noting the futility of qualifying faith by ethnicity. “Do we call Christians Indo Christians, Taukei Christians? No. All of us are Christians saved by grace,” he posted, saying the message of inclusion was particularly apt during the Easter period and inviting reflection on unity and shared values.
His remarks echo and amplify calls from other public figures for a more inclusive national conversation. The post referenced comments by Ratu Ligani and comes against a backdrop of ongoing submissions and public debate about constitutional and civic identity, including recent scrutiny of referendum models and civic definitions that have surfaced in submissions on proposed legislation.
As a former senior government figure who admits his own views have evolved, Kamikamica’s statement is likely to shape discussions among political leaders, traditional authorities and civil society as the country contemplates how it defines citizenship, belonging and nomenclature. The Great Council of Chiefs’ submission has already reignited debates over customary rights and national terminology, and Kamikamica’s intervention adds a prominent, personal voice advocating unity rather than exclusivity.
The conversation over who should be called “Fijian” remains live, touching on legal, cultural and political questions. Kamikamica’s post is the latest development in a wider national dialogue about inclusivity and identity that has featured politicians, traditional leaders and advocacy groups in recent months.
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