President Highlights Indigenous Rights, Legal Reform at Chiefs’ Meeting Conclusion

The final day of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) meeting concluded at Vale ni Bose in Draiba with President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere (Note: you mentioned Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who is actually the Speaker of Parliament — please clarify if the article meant him as President or if this is an error) addressing critical national issues.

Chiefs from the Kubuna, Burebasaga, and Tovata confederacies presented key recommendations following extensive group discussions on land ownership, indigenous rights, legal overlaps, and environmental governance.

A key highlight was the President’s proposal to establish a Tribunal on Deed of Cession rights to address longstanding indigenous concerns.

Discussions also revisited the Fiji Pine Trust’s history and the legal scope of the Native Lands Act and Native Land Trust Act, particularly regarding the roles of the two Reserve Commissioners.

The Burebasaga Confederacy raised concerns about Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) registration inconsistencies for iTaukei children born overseas.

The President acknowledged these grievances and called for collective action and reflection by chiefs to ensure clarity and cultural integrity in future legal reforms.