For the first time in 53 years of independence, Fiji has established an indigenous business chapter in a leap from decades of lip service.

The Fiji Chapter for World Indigenous Business Network Incorporation was launched in Suva this week, in recognition of ethnic rights that took the back seat until now.

A two-day mini-conference ended yesterday following the endorsement of the Secretariat of the World Indigenous Business Network.

According to chapter deputy chairman, Isimeli Bose, the impact of the meeting was “profound, immeasurable and far reaching”.

“The meeting has opened a business pathway for indigenous communities to have direct contacts, and establish communication links, with other indigenous chapters worldwide,” he said.

“It provides a forum for indigenous countries with similar economic issues and social problems to discuss and share experiences and solutions.”

The chapter is led by Rosa Walker as chief executive officer and president.

The theme of the two-day meet was Indigenous Quest Towards Financial Freedom and Economic Interdependency in the 21st Century and Beyond.

“The timing of this meeting is significant and historical, following Fiji’s ratification of the United  Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the re-convening of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting on Bau,” Mr Bose said.

He said the Government, after winning the election of December 2022, pursued a major policy review of all iTaukei institutions including: 

• Great Council of Chiefs,
• Ministry of iTaukei Affairs,
• iTaukei Lands & Fisheries Commission,
• iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB),
• iTaukei Trust Fund Board,
• Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development
• Fijian Holdings PTE Limited and
• Provincial councils.

Story by: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj