Reserve ‘Fijian’ for iTaukei: Manumanunitoga

A proposal to restrict the use of the term “Fijian” exclusively to indigenous iTaukei people has resurfaced in constitutional discussions.

The issue was raised in a submission to the Constitutional Review Committee by Fiji Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.

Mr Manumanunitoga said the name “Fijian” should remain unique to those registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB), the official record of indigenous landowning groups.

He argued that the Fijian language and culture are inseparable from indigenous identity and should be protected accordingly.

Mr Manumanunitoga suggested that other ethnic communities in Fiji should instead celebrate their own distinct cultural identities, languages and ancestral heritage.

Under the 2013 Constitution, all citizens of Fiji are recognised as “Fijian”, while the term “iTaukei” specifically refers to the indigenous people of Fiji.

The proposal revisits a longstanding and sensitive national issue, as “Fijian” has in recent years been used to describe all citizens regardless of ethnicity.

Any move to redefine the term could reignite debate over identity, inclusion and national unity.