iTaukei

iTaukei is the term used for the indigenous Fijian people, meaning “people of the land” or “landowners.” It identifies Fiji’s native inhabitants and is used in cultural, legal, and political contexts to distinguish them from other resident communities, such as Indo-Fijians and other minority groups.

The iTaukei are the majority of Fiji’s population, with communities concentrated in rural and coastal areas on Fiji’s main islands. They maintain social and cultural structures that have shaped much of Fiji’s history and contemporary life, while many people of iTaukei heritage also live abroad in the Pacific region and beyond.

Language and culture are central to iTaukei identity. The iTaukei language, commonly called Fijian, is part of the Austronesian language family and is written in the Latin script. It is one of Fiji’s official languages, alongside English and Fiji Hindi. Cultural practices emphasize communal life, respect for elders, and ceremonies linked to land and kinship.

Social organization traditionally centers on mataqali (clans) within vanua (the broader unit comprising land, people, and cultural ties). The chiefly system (turaga vakaturaga) historically holds authority in many communities, guiding leadership, land-related matters, and ceremonial duties.

Land tenure is a defining feature of iTaukei life. Much land is held under customary tenure by iTaukei communities, with laws regulating use and lease arrangements. Institutions such as those overseeing customary land rights support the management and preservation of land in ways that reflect traditional authority and communal ownership.

In modern Fiji, the iTaukei are recognized as the indigenous population in the constitution, with rights linked to culture, land, and participation in national life. Sustaining language, customs, and community institutions remains a central focus for many iTaukei communities.