CALLS have been made for a constitution that must also reflect the uniqueness of Fiji.
Maelin Bhagwan, a high school teacher presented a submission on behalf of her husband Reverend James Bhagwan, a post-graduate student in Korea.
In a 12-page submission, Mrs Bhagwan presented proposals concerning the issues of common identity, common language, citizenship, religious tolerance and human rights, participation in decision-making, and religion and the State.
The submission included proposals for a common identity that citizens of Fiji be known as Fijians with the historical identity of indigenous Fijians and Rotumans and resettled ocean islanders to be maintained through the use of kai Viti, kai Rotuma, kai Rabi.
In making her family's submission, Mrs Bhagwan called for a mechanism in which all Fijians regardless of their heritage might be able to be a part of the vanua, as members of the community, with equal responsibility and recognition.
"We believe that we who are born and raised here, or who have adopted Fiji as their home, must have a place within the vanua," she said.
"At the same time, and further to our submission on provincial identity, we humbly ask not only your consideration, but through your good offices, that the traditional leaders of the vanua reconsider their understanding of both who they consider themselves leaders of and who constitutes the vanua," she added.
She said all chiefs should be encouraged to practise inclusive leadership of all people in their villages, districts and provinces.
"This, we believe, will not only help in the development of common identity and common or national culture, but also benefit the vanua as many more people will be able to contribute to development and stewardship of its resources," Mrs Bhagwan said.