Revisioning the Fijian Research Paradigm

Abstract

Pacific research framings often have at their core acknowledged Pacific Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being. This positioning informs the selection of research methodologies, methods, tools and procedures. This paper explores the use of Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) research frameworks, concepts and values presented in the literature and analyses its use within research practices. Key iTaukei concepts and values are highlighted and presented as a framework for future research within iTaukei communities. The paper explores the concept of sautu (wellbeing) and the gauna (time) and maliwa (space) associated with its attainment. Values such as veiwekani (relationship building), vakarokoroko (respect), veitokoni (reciprocity; sharing) and veiqaravi (service) are discussed in light of historical associations to the vanua (land) and the iTaukei social structure. Based on the involvement with iTaukei communities, these values are presented within a framework for research in the contemporary setting and discussions on the application of these values to research methodologies, framing and alignment. The paper concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for methodological and research growth in the iTaukei context and the contribution Fijian research approaches make to Pacific research methods and overall design.