Yavusa Munia reclaims ancestral island after decades of sacrifice

A 36-year struggle to reclaim Munia Island, Vanuabalavu, Lau, has finally ended in victory for the Yavusa (tribe) Munia.

Members of the tribe officially settled their Government buyback debt after decades of sacrifice, determination and unity.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo announced the historic achievement during a press conference in Suva on Wednesday.

He described it as a powerful moment for Fiji’s land restitution efforts.

“This milestone restores dignity, identity and justice for the people of Munia,” he said.

The repayment marks a significant milestone for the Freehold Buy-Back Scheme, which aims to return alienated lands to indigenous communities.

Munia Island holds a heavy history. In the mid-1800s, the island was sold, forcing the original landowners to relocate to Avea Island.

The displacement separated them from their ancestral land, fertile soil, and traditional fishing grounds, key sources of identity and survival. In 1989, Government moved to correct this historical injustice.

The State purchased 449.5 hectares of Munia Island on November 10, 1989 for $450,000, securing it on behalf of Yavusa Munia, made up of the Mataqali Marama, Nakia, Narocake and Sawailau.

But reclaiming the land required decades of commitment. Under Cabinet Paper 97, repayment terms were adjusted to help ease the financial burden on the community, including a temporary 50 per cent reduction in yearly repayments and an extension of the repayment timeline to 36 years and six months.

That long journey finally concluded on November 17, 2025, when Yavusa Munia made its final payment of $56,021.92, officially clearing the remaining debt.

This makes them the 10th landowning tribe in Fiji to fully repay its buy-back obligations.

“It shows the strength of our landowning communities and the importance of Government support in helping them reclaim what is rightfully theirs.”

Yavusa Munia representative, Netani Ledua on December 10, 2025.

Photo: Rariqi Turner

Representing the Yavusa, Netani Ledua said the moment was deeply emotional for the people of Munia.

“Since 1989, our families have worked together, saved together and stood together to bring this land back into our name,” he said.

“It has been a long journey but today we feel proud and truly blessed.”

The repayment is a gift to future generations, who will now grow up with the knowledge that their island, once taken away has finally been reclaimed.

For yavusa Munia, the end of a 36-year journey marks the beginning of a renewed legacy anchored in unity, resilience, and restored ownership.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj