Munia Island descendants unite in final push to buy back ancestral home

The people of Munia Island on Vanua Balavu in Lau gathered today in joyous celebration at the University of the South Pacific hall as they marked Munia Day, an occasion filled with pride, unity, and renewed hope.

The event also served as the final major fundraising drive in the community’s decades-long effort to buy back their ancestral island from the government.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Chairman of the Munia Committee, Vesikula Cakacaka, expressed optimism that the target would finally be met.

Cakacaka says the group needs $60,000 more to complete the payment, noting that about $40,000 had already been collected prior to today’s event.

Cakacaka says they have been fundraising for over 30 years.

He says not only are the Munia people in Fiji giving, but many have travelled from America, Australia and New Zealand joined the gathering.

He says the people of Munia believe this will be their last fundraising, and if they reach their target, they will go straight to the government office on Monday to pay and reclaim their island.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo has commended the community's efforts, and says that the return of the land titles to rightful owners has been an emotional experience throughout the country.

Munia Island, which is currently uninhabited, holds deep historical significance for its people.

In the mid-1800s, the island was sold by the Tui Cakau to an American for $400, forcing its original inhabitants to relocate to nearby Avea Island. The Fijian Government later purchased the island for approximately $450,000.

Today, generations later, the descendants of Munia’s original landowners are determined to restore their connection to the land of their forebears.

With music, traditional performances, and heartfelt speeches filling the USP Hall, the atmosphere reflected not just celebration but a strong sense of purpose.

For the Munia community, this is more than a financial campaign, it is a step towards cultural restoration and reclaiming a vital part of their identity.