At the recent Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Conference in Nadi, the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, called for a transformative approach to the management of indigenous Fijian resources. Highlighting the concern that these vital resources, which have been the backbone of the Fijian community for centuries, often yield insignificant benefits to their rightful owners, Ratu Viliame emphasized the urgency of reforming this dynamic.
He announced the GCC’s commitment to this cause through the 2025 Statement of Strategic Intent, a blueprint designed to enhance the economic welfare of the resource owners. The GCC is determined to guide indigenous Fijians in reaping fairer returns from their natural resources by transitioning from subsistence-based economies to a more prosperous future.
Central to this agenda is the renegotiation of existing contracts and treaties. The GCC is focused on ensuring that these agreements align with core Fijian values such as mutual respect and ethical dealings. Ratu Viliame insisted that partnerships between businesses and resource owners must be founded on principles of fairness and cultural respect.
Additionally, the GCC has initiated educational programs like the Diploma in Vanua Leadership, in collaboration with Fiji National University. This initiative is aimed at preparing Fijian chiefs for effective leadership, equipping them to navigate the intersection of traditional and contemporary issues.
This initiative underscores the GCC’s broader mission to reinforce indigenous leadership and governance structures. Through recent efforts such as enhancing the educational development of future chiefs and strengthening the council’s role in managing land and resources, the GCC is actively working towards preserving Fijian cultural heritage while embracing modern socioeconomic challenges. This strategy symbolizes a hopeful endeavor to secure sustainable economic development for all Fijian communities.