Minister Ifereimi Vasu has underscored the critical importance of preserving traditional knowledge systems amid modern influences at the first Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge conference in Nadi. He acknowledged the profound wisdom of the iTaukei ancestors, emphasizing the strain from contemporary forces such as Western ideologies, Christianity, colonial influences, and developmental models that differ from the iTaukei’s communalistic society.
Historically, such pressures have diluted cultural practices and language, with once-native languages being overshadowed by English and French. Vasu highlighted that the rapid advancement of technology and globalization has further widened the gap between the younger generations and their cultural roots. However, there is a promising trend where cultural traditions are increasingly recognized as valuable for development, environmental sustainability, and education.
Vasu emphasized the root cause of many indigenous challenges as being a weakening of ties to traditional customs and practices. He advocates for the application of indigenous knowledge systems, such as the vuku ni vanua, or ancestral wisdom, to address modern societal challenges. This three-day conference, themed “Na Vuku ni Vanua: Charting Our Cultural Destiny in a Changing Pacific Climate Environment,” acts as a crucial platform for developing culturally sustainable solutions to address environmental and developmental issues. This aligns with broader regional strategies that recognize cultural identity as central to combating climate change and fostering resilience.
The conference serves as a reminder of the pressing need to maintain iTaukei cultural identity in the face of modernization. Efforts are being focused on education, community involvement, and passing traditional knowledge across generations to safeguard cultural integrity. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary progress, participants aim to rejuvenate their cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
This initiative offers hope that by reaffirming cultural identity and blending it with modern advancements, the iTaukei community can enhance their resilience and continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.