SUVA, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) celebrated the International Indigenous Day through the spirit of hospitality on Thursday and urged people to celebrate their uniqueness and cultural diversity.
Members of non-government organization gathered to reflect on the theme "Transitioning Traditional Knowledge to the future."
FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga said Fijians needed to uphold the values they held close to their hearts and most importantly note that they were custodians of their tradition and culture.
She said that the spirit of sharing was important in building national unity and so it was important to consider every individual that helped in Fiji's national growth.
According to the United Nations, as a result of loss of their lands, territories and resources due to development and other pressures, many indigenous peoples migrate to urban areas in search of better prospects of life, education and employment. They also migrate between countries to escape conflict, persecution and climate change impacts.
Despite the widespread assumption that indigenous peoples live overwhelmingly in rural territories, urban areas are now home to a significant proportion of indigenous populations.
In most cases, indigenous peoples who migrate find better employment opportunities and improve their economic situation but alienate themselves from their traditional lands and customs.
Additionally, indigenous migrants face a myriad of challenges, including lack of access to public services and additional layers of discrimination.
This year's theme focuses on the current situation of indigenous territories, the root causes of migration, transborder movement and displacement, with a specific focus on indigenous peoples living in urban areas and across international borders.
The observance will explore the challenges and ways forward to revitalize indigenous peoples' identities and encourage the protection of their rights in or outside their traditional territories.
