In Fiji, the erosion of centuries-old indigenous traditions and knowledge is emerging as a critical concern, as the influence of colonialism and the prioritization of Western education threaten to leave future generations with a cultural void. Cultural specialists and advocates emphasize the necessity for iTaukei communities to actively revive and integrate their indigenous practices and languages to preserve their rich heritage.
During the recent Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge Conference in Suva, cultural expert Simione Sevudredre highlighted the extent of the challenge, noting that the influence of colonialism and an education system that emphasizes Western knowledge have led to the neglect of traditional wisdom. Simione stated that this oversight has filled minds with external knowledge while eclipsing indigenous understanding. He noted that people excel in various areas except in their own cultural wisdom, which has been pushed aside over time.
Sevudredre stressed that reclaiming and integrating indigenous knowledge into mainstream education and society is essential. He highlighted that the language carries indigenous knowledge, cautioning against the disdain often shown toward native languages. He called for a unified effort among indigenous peoples to reclaim and pride themselves on their age-old wisdom, underscoring the importance of international and regional conferences to support this reclamation.
The conference, hosted in Nadi and concluding on the 25th of this month, is a collaborative initiative supported by Fiji National University, the Pacific Community, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and the World Bank. It aims to bring together cultural practitioners, knowledge holders, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss how to effectively revive and mainstream indigenous knowledge in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
Previous efforts have also highlighted the integration of traditional knowledge into the education system as essential for fostering cultural identity and resilience. The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has been active in promoting these initiatives, aligning them with broader goals of using Traditional Ecological Knowledge for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. This approach seeks to blend ancestral wisdom with modern educational practices, empowering communities to respond effectively to contemporary challenges while preserving their cultural identities.
In facing the climate crisis and preserving cultural heritage, it becomes increasingly evident that the integration of traditional knowledge and practices can lead to a more sustainable and resilient society. For Fiji, this presents a hopeful opportunity to not only safeguard its rich cultural legacy but also leverage it to build stronger, more cohesive communities in the face of modern challenges.