Young leader calls for revival of iTaukei traditions

Isireli Raisiko Dawai is urging youths to bridge the cultural gap and rise to protect and revive the traditions that define them.

Mr Dawai the 21-year-old grandson of Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniani Navuniuci at the inaugural Vuku ni Vanua Conference at the Fiji National University at Namaka campus in Nadi last week. The young aspiring leader forewarned that the nation’s cultural heartbeat was fading with modern pressure pulling young people away from their heritage.

He stressed that many young Fijians are losing touch with their traditions and values that once united families and villages.

“As economic pressures draw families from villages to cities, the transfer of indigenous knowledge and customs have weakened,” Mr Dawai said.

He added that the growing crises such as HIV, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, urban drift and the erosion of indigenous wisdom were tearing youths from their roots.

“As families leave their villages for urban jobs, traditional knowledge and communal values are left behind,” he said.

“Most parents focus on work and schooling, forgetting to spend time to teach children the core values that define us as itaukei,” he said.

Mr Dawai also stressed that in this modern era, the solution lies in blending traditional knowledge with modern technology.

“We can use technology to strengthen but not replace our traditions, as true wealth is our connection to the land and our identity,” he said.

He urges young Fijians to close the widening generation gap by seeking wisdom and knowledge from elders and embracing their own history.

“Young people should learn their own history and identity; ask your elders who you are and your purpose because when you know yourself then you will understand your role and purpose. Youth engagement and cultural education can reverse the trend and ensure Fiji’s traditions endure for generations to come.”

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