While indigenous people own 92 per cent of land in Fiji, 75 per cent of people living in poverty were the iTaukei.
This was highlighted by Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa while delivering her opening remarks during the Ratu Sukuna Day Celebration Leadership Conference held at the Harbour Point Convention Center in Lami last Friday.
Ro Teimumu said collective approaches were still needed to curb social issues within the indigenous community.
“While the poverty statistics is a call for concern, I would also suggest that it would also present to us all and to you as young emerging leaders a small edge to you as young and emerging leaders,” she said.
“While change is inevitable, leadership must also be relevant to tackle the change and provide sustainable practices to ensure a safe future for its people.
“The future he worked towards was for the benefit of all races that constituted Fiji’s populace and also for the protection of indigenous rights of the iTaukei people.”
