Identity, Equality, and Citizenship: Understanding the Difference
In Fiji, the conversation around identity often gets tangled with equality and citizenship, but these are three distinct concepts. Being equal under the law doesn’t mean we all have to share the same identity! Likewise, being a citizen doesn’t automatically erase cultural distinctions, instead being a citizen allows you to freely practice your culture and your religion however distinct it may be.
1️⃣ Citizenship is a legal status. It grants rights, responsibilities, and belonging to a nation. Every person born in Fiji today is a Fiji citizen.
2️⃣ Equality means fair treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of background. It means every citizen has access to the same rights—education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation. But equality doesn’t require a SINGLE IDENTITY LABEL. A multicultural country can have equal rights without erasing distinct CULTURAL IDENTITIES.
3️⃣ Identity is deeply personal and cultural. It is shaped by ancestry, traditions, and historical ties. For Indigenous Fijians, identity is tied to the vanua (land, sea, government, church). Each indigenous Fijian originates from a province (yasana), tribe (yavusa), clan (mataqali) and family (tokatoka). It is an identity that predates modern citizenship and remains an unbroken link to the past.
Traditional relationships among provinces is a strong cultural aspect of Fijian identity. This includes relationships such as veiwekani (kinship ties), veitabani (warrior and chiefly alliances), and veiyalayalati (sacred pacts between tribes) that shape how indigenous Fijians interact with each other, even today.
So, what’s the issue? The 2013 Constitution legally made all citizens "Fijian," imposing a Western model of identity that does not reflect the way Indigenous Fijians define themselves. This creates tension because it disregards the traditional classification system, where being "Fijian" is more than a nationality—it’s an ancestral and cultural inheritance.
Fiji can achieve unity without forcing indigenous Fijians to accept western narratives of identity. We can uphold equality in law, recognize citizenship for all, and still honor the unique identities that make up our nation.
A strong Fiji is one that embraces diversity, respects indigenous identity, and ensures every citizen—regardless of ethnicity—has a fair and equal place in society.
