History will be created today at the first Great Council of Chiefs meeting on Bau Island after it was disbanded in 2007, as an Indo-Fijian dance group will take part in the opening event.
It has been confirmed that there will be four dance performances that includes the Gonesau Group from Nakorotubu in Ra, the Wailevu group from Macuata in Vanua Levu, the Banaban group and a performance from the Indian Cultural Centre.
Two weeks ago during the Girmit celebration week, the Vunivalu’s spokesperson or the Tunitoga, Aisea Jack Komaitai relayed the Vunivalu’s apology to the descendants of the Girmitiyas.
Komaitai says they are apologising for the wrongs that their people have committed and inflicted on the descendants of Girmitiyas and their families.
He says this is to eradicate the fear of what has been propagated by past racist leaders.
The Tunitoga also called on all the indigenous people of Fiji and stakeholders to work together to build bridges between different communities to celebrate our diversity and to promote unity.
Today’s meeting will start with the traditional welcoming ceremony at 9am. The traditional welcoming ceremony will include the Qaloqalovi, Vakamamaca, Sevusevu, Yaqona Vakaturaga and the Wase ni Yaqona Vakaturaga.
The President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will deliver his opening address at 10.15am, followed by other traditional protocols such as the Ulivi ni Vosa Vaka Turaga, and the Matanigasau ni Matanitu.
It has also been confirmed that 13 provinces will be represented at the meeting, including Rotuma and the Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu will chair the meeting.
[Image: Tukini Cama]
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