Vakumuni vuku ni vanua (gathering the wisdom of the land): An Indigenous fieldwork research methodology in Fiji

Abstract

One of the persistent challenges for researchers engaging with Indigenous communities is ensuring they communicate with the right individuals to obtain the right information. In this article, I advocate for the use of Vakumuni vuku ni vanua (gathering wisdom of the land), incorporating the 3D veivosaki (meaningful conversation) and Butu vanua (transcendence walk). These methods present culturally appropriate techniques for fieldwork research in Fiji. This strategic integration aims to streamline the collection of relevant data, recognising the essential role Indigenous knowledge holders serve as guardians of the knowledge being explored. By adopting this thoughtful approach, the knowledge-gathering process honours the independence and esteem of Indigenous communities. These innovative methods are deeply rooted in Indigenous values like veiwekani (relationship), veinanumi (reciprocity) and veimaroroi (stewardship), which hold significant importance for Indigenous people.