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A Race to Keep Culture

Fiji Times, Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Ropate Valemei

THE Pacific Blue Foundation has proposed a veitau waqa ni Viti (boat race) to be part of the program to celebrate Fiji Day this year.

“As the Fiji Day program will be organised by the government, inclusion of such events as the traditional boat race will reflect the government’s support and promotion for the traditional craft in Fiji,” Pacific Blue Foundation director of government and community relations Roko Josefa Cinavilakeba said.

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Veitau Waqa – The Boat Lives

Maritime skills have long been a major part of Fijian culture, particularly Fijian expertise in seafaring vessels. The waqa ni viti is a traditional sailing boat with designs and sizes that vary from the twin hulled drua, to the outrigger single-hulled camakau, to the smaller takia.  Use of these traditional Fijian canoes, however, has slowly faded from the locals’ lifestyles.