Former SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa describes the use of 'Fijian' as a national identity under the 2013 Constitution as 'technical genocide', saying it has taken away part of the indigenous people's history and identity.
Takayawa made the comments during public consultation on the Constitution Amendment Bill, where he raised concerns about the national identity introduced under the 2013 Constitution.
He says the term 'Fijian' was historically used to identify the indigenous people of Fiji and believes its use as a national identity has taken away something important from them.
Takayawa says removing the term from its previous use also means deleting part of the history and heritage of indigenous people and their ancestors.
He describes this as 'technical genocide', explaining that he believes genocide can involve not only the killing of people but also the removal of a group's history and identity.
Takayawa also refers to discussions held in 1997, saying the term Fiji Islander was proposed as a national identity that could be shared by all citizens.
He says he believes this would have been a democratic approach to national identity.
Takayawa maintains that indigenous identity should still be recognised, suggesting that an indigenous name could be retained alongside the national identity.
He also says people across the region share a Pacific Islander identity, while reiterating his support for the recognition of Fiji Islanders.
His submission focuses on the relationship between national identity, indigenous heritage and the recognition of the history of Fiji's people.
