The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is committed to returning Schedule A and B lands to their native landowners. Speaking at the Indigenous Resource Owners Forum, TLTB CEO Solomoni Nata announced that 91 percent of these lands had already been returned.
“The status of native land is currently at 91 percent, surpassing the initial 87 percent,” Nata said. “These lands were once owned by landowning units that became extinct or were unclaimed during the initial sittings of the Native Lands Commission in the early 1900s.”
Nata highlighted ongoing efforts to address iTaukei claims over State lands held under Native and Crown grants. “Eighteen claims over Crown and Native grants have been approved by the board but await Cabinet approval. Three cases have been approved by the Cabinet and are awaiting further action from the Ministry of Lands,” he said.
Nata noted there were 158 new claims to be processed, with 179 pending cases from iTaukei landowners over State freehold land. He assured that a standing committee under the Government would ensure the completion of these processes, emphasizing the historical context in which lands were originally purchased.
“When we reflect on the history of these land purchases, we empathize with our ancestors,” Nata said. “These lands were bought for one shilling, and the Government is now working to right this by returning the land to its rightful owners.”