Cultural identity and civic engagement are intrinsically linked, as highlighted by youth activist Kava Masilagi. With her roots tracing back to the districts of Itu’ti’u in Rotuma and Nadrau in Navosa, Masilagi grew up immersed in discussions about politics and current affairs within her family, fostering her confidence to engage in public discourse.
Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “I was always included. That was really important for me growing up.” Initially exploring a path in medicine, Masilagi shifted her focus and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Politics at the University of the South Pacific, which she completed last April. Currently, she is advancing her studies with a postgraduate certificate in international affairs and diplomacy.
In her professional role as an ethnographic officer with the iTaukei Trust Fund Board, Masilagi is actively involved in the cultural mapping of Rotuma—a task she finds deeply enriching and personal. Having been raised by her grandparents on mainland Fiji, she never had the opportunity to visit Rotuma during their lifetimes. Her grandfather had left the island to work in the Vatukoula gold mines, while her grandmother spent part of her childhood there before relocating. Working to document and preserve Rotuman heritage has provided Masilagi with a powerful means to reconnect with her ancestry. “It was an experience that really reconnected me to my grandparents,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of reaffirming the customary beliefs and traditional values that shape her identity.
Masilagi encourages other Rotumans, especially those with mixed heritage, to engage actively with their cultural roots. She asserts, “Culture shapes who we are, even when we don’t realize it.”
Beyond her cultural pursuits, Masilagi continues to be an active participant in youth and political initiatives. She notes a positive trend in youth engagement, observing that more young people are voicing their opinions and becoming involved in national issues. However, she cautions that this newfound freedom comes with the responsibility to exercise it wisely, particularly when using social media platforms.
“Freedom of speech must be exercised wisely,” she stresses, urging her peers to cultivate critical thinking skills in an age rife with misinformation and online scams. For young individuals keen on making a difference in the political realm, she encourages participation in electoral processes, stating, “Making a change involves voting. So, go out there and vote.”
Masilagi’s advocacy for cultural reconnecting and active citizenship reflects a hopeful outlook on the potential for positive change within her community and beyond.