Minister Ifereimi Vasu recently highlighted the mounting challenges that contemporary influences pose to traditional knowledge systems at the inaugural Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK) conference in Nadi. He emphasized the significance of ongoing dialogues to safeguard and revitalize these systems within the iTaukei community. Vasu pointed out that the wisdom of iTaukei ancestors, who were both intelligent and resilient, is facing modern pressures from Western influences, such as Christianity, colonialism, and development models unfamiliar to the communalistic nature of the iTaukei.
Historical challenges have led to a loss of culture and language, with the iTaukei language once deemed unimportant, replaced by English and French. Vasu noted that modern technology and globalization further exacerbate the cultural disconnect between younger generations and their roots. However, he observed a growing shift in recent years where cultural traditions are increasingly viewed as assets to development, environmental resilience, and educational endeavors.
Vasu stressed that many of the challenges faced by indigenous communities today stem from weakened connections to traditional customs and practices. He believes that indigenous knowledge, particularly the vuku ni vanua system or ancestral wisdom, holds solutions to pressing contemporary issues and societal problems.
The three-day conference, themed “Na Vuku ni Vanua: Charting Our Cultural Destiny in a Changing Pacific Climate Environment,” serves as a platform to explore culturally sustainable solutions to climate and development challenges. This initiative builds on wider regional efforts that recognize the importance of cultural identity in addressing climate change and fostering resilience.
Echoing previous discussions, this conference underscores the urgency of maintaining iTaukei cultural identity amid modernization. Efforts centered on education, community engagement, and intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge continue to be pivotal for preserving cultural integrity and fostering a resilient future. Participants are hopeful that by bridging contemporary advancements with traditional wisdom, they can revitalize their cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability for generations to come.