Working Group 9
NATIONAL IDENTITY AND THE ROLE OF RELIGION AND CULTURE IN NATION BUILDING
[Terms of Reference]

BACKGROUND

Fiji is a multi-racial, multi-cultural country with a multiplicity of languages, religions and ways of living. Culture refers to the diverse manifestation of human intellectual and artistic activity that is part of both culture and heritage and is the living form of cultural expression.

At present the citizens of Fiji identify themselves more strongly by community than by nationality. It can be a major obstacle to reconciliation and nation building. The goal is to rebuild Fiji into a non-racial, culturally-vibrant and united, well-governed, truly democratic nation that seeks progress, and prosperity through merit-based equality of opportunity, and peace.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Working Group 9 is to:
(a) conduct factual, diagnostic and analytical work on National Identity and the Role of Religion and Culture in Nation Building;
(b) undertake any further studies or investigations on this topic; and
(c) summarise and report back to the NTT 3 on the deliberations and recommendations of the Working Group on this priority topic.

ISSUES

National Identity

At present, Fiji does not have a common name. Indigenous Fijians fearful of dominance by Indo-Fijians and anxious of their status as the indigenous people thus seeking protection of that status while on the other hand Indo-Fijians feel alienated and marginalised as second class citizens in the country of their birth.

Racial compartmentalization in institutions such as schools, the communal electoral system, ethnic political parties, differences in religions and culture have tended to reinforce differences rather than community of interests, needs and sense of place and identity. The failure to identify with the national name “Fiji Islander” introduced in the 1997 Constitution is a symptom of the weakness of national identity.

Religion

Respect for others religion, language, arts and culture is a critical component of the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. This is essential for peaceful co-existence and social cohesion in a multi-cultural society such as Fiji.

For 125 years the three major religions in Fiji namely Christianity, Hinduism and Islam have co-existed but very rarely have they come together to share spiritualities and build cooperation for nation building. While there is religious tolerance in Fiji, some church leaders condemn and look down on non-Christian leaders. Religious intolerance, as evident in the burning of temples and other religious symbols, particularly after the 1987 crisis, is a growing problem. The lack of condemnation of such criminal activities from political and religious leaders of other communities reinforced the belief that the religions of the Indo-Fijian and minority communities are not respected and that intolerance is silently supported.

However, there is growing interest for religious or interfaith dialogue - coming together of major religions to share spiritualities and not their religious articles of faith with other religious faiths.

Churches and civil societies could provide a stronger role as advocacy groups against publicly asserted racism. Race continues to be used by politicians as a political device for furthering the interests of particular groups over others many of which were created through the process of colonialism. Education institutions could also play a role in fostering understanding of religion and cultures of different communities.

Culture

Fiji has no common language and is a multi-racial, multi-cultural country with a multiplicity of languages, religions and ways of living. The recognition, appreciation, understanding and acceptance of these cultures and a common language may create harmony and unity amongst all races.

It has been argued that Fijians generally have embraced their traditions and culture too much, and whilst this might be important in terms of cultural identity, it has also held back development in some areas. For example the traditional way of “kerekere” and “vakavanua” may be a reason for the fact that Fijians generally do not succeed in setting up businesses compared to the Indo-Fijians, and that this has led to the “dependency syndrome” among Fijians.

TASKS

The Working Group 9 is responsible for:

National Identity

1. Assessing the importance of national identity for Fiji in the country’s reconciliation and rebuilding process and making recommendations for rebalancing concepts and symbols of national identity:.

a.         What common name could be adopted for all citizens?
b.         What programmes could be effective in moving towards and building a national identity?
c.         Do separate communal schools hinder development of a National Identity?
d.         Would the teaching of the 3 major languages in schools assist in building a national identity?
e.         How far can intermarriage assist in nation-building?

Religion