LOSENA Tudreu stands out as one of just five female archivists in Fiji, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role. With a background that includes studies in Archives and Records Management from Hong Kong University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Information Management, Ms. Tudreu’s journey to this career was not straightforward. She discovered her passion for archiving in 1998 during an internship at the National Archives, working on a timeline of the Indian indentured labor system, known as girmitiya.
After some time away from the archives, working as a features writer and later as an Assistant Information Officer in the Department of Energy, she returned to the archives in 2014 when a senior archivist position became available. Today, she holds that very position, overseeing the Archives Advisory and Records Management Unit, often referred to as the “Heart of the Archives” for its essential role in preserving records.
Throughout her career, Ms. Tudreu has been dedicated to unearthing new information that contributes to Fiji’s historical narrative. She emphasizes the thrill of public service through historical research, enabling citizens to connect with their past, including documents from as far back as 1874.
Despite the limiting resources and space she faces, her passion for her work remains unwavering. Ms. Tudreu actively promotes awareness of the importance of records management within Fiji’s civil service, highlighting the crucial role that accurate records play in preserving history for future generations. She believes that understanding these historical truths is vital for children’s education and identity.
Both Ms. Tudreu’s and Timoci Balenaivalu’s journeys illustrate the significance of perseverance and passion in lesser-known career fields like archiving. Balenaivalu, who has also made an influential mark as the principal archivist at the National Archives of Fiji and President of the Pacific Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives, shares her commitment to enhancing record-keeping practices in government and promoting transparency.
These stories reflect a broader commitment within Fiji’s archival community to ensure that historical narratives are preserved and accessible, inspiring hope for future initiatives that prioritize cultural heritage and public engagement. By fostering interest in archives and records management, professionals like Ms. Tudreu and Mr. Balenaivalu contribute to a cultural renaissance that celebrates Fiji’s diverse history and ensures its legacy for coming generations.
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