Indigenous research in Fiji.
Research by Fijians for Fijians should be encouraged. In the past we have seen myriads
of publications in many varieties, written and produced by those outside of Fiji. They have set a template
for young people, even older ones in the field of academia to write and record stories about us as a
people. To write and research from a Fijian perspective provides a balance to the work previously done
by those who have interest in Fiji.
Indigenous Fijians have many similarities with other indigenous societies around the
world. For example, Maoris in New Zealand, Aborigines of Australia, the American Indians and the Inuit of
Alaska share similar experiences of the world, similar to the indigenous people of the Pacific, and among
these groups are Fijians. Many of us face the same problems, and if there are stories we need to share,
these needs to be supported and captured and shared for our future generations.
Our interest to undertake the documentation of our Fijian history and culture is to ensure that they are no longer
forgotten. We would also like to write this information down from our own experiences and perspective. This
website hopes to encourage our young Fijians to research about themselves, so we are able to understand about
our total being, and appreciating our cultures. In the recent past, political upheavals have caused disappointment
to many, and have made many Fijians leave for overseas.
Even though many have physically left Fiji, their
connections and ties to Fiji is still intact or has become stronger. The information and research we would
like to put into this website is the result of the many years of our research, so enjoy!
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