Acting Director Mr. Usaia Gaunavou MA (LLC), UniFiji, PDDip Mgt & Public Ad, USP PGCTT, USP. BA (Lit/Lang & Education. Uni S. Pac)
The aim of the Centre for Indigenous Studies (CIS) is to provide a premier institution within the University of Fiji for the study of Fijian society, economy and culture within the context of a multi-cultural Fiji. It is through the Centre that the University of Fiji responds effectively to the needs of the indigenous Fijians.
The Centre was officially launched on 17 August 2007 and commenced offering courses in iTaukei Language, Literature and Culture in Semester 2, 2007.
Through its programs, CIS actively encourages the development of an inclusive and united Fiji where ethnic groups can interact more and develop a greater understanding of and respect for one another. It therefore becomes an important forum for dialogue on important multicultural issues as well as on significant and relevant concerns of indigenous Fijians. CIS’s teaching, research and publishing programmes focus attention on finding practical solutions to issues and challenges facing the indigenous Fijians today. CIS also becomes a Centre of Excellence for indigenous Fijian art and culture and will work with other agencies and institutions concerned with indigenous Fijians.
