Fiji's policy response to COVID-19 and the integration of Indigenous voices

Indigenous Peoples, such as Pacific Islanders have been identified as particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. Past research has focused on Indigenous Peoples as minority populations with less known about countries like Fiji where the Indigenous population (iTaukei) are the majority. In this study we sought to assess the inclusion of the Indigeneity (i.e., culture, traditions, Indigenous knowledge, worldview, values) of iTaukei in COVID-19 policies through the following steps: 1) identify key policy responses to COVID-19 in Fiji, 2) document how these policies evolved over the pandemic, and 3) assess if and how iTaukei were considered in these responses and the impact of these policies on their lives. Drawing on an analysis of policy documents (n = 74), interviews (n = 11), and a focus group (n = 22), we characterized 11 key policy responses by the Government of Fiji: i) containment measures, ii) economic support, iii) prevention measures, iv) vaccinations, v) medical assistance, vi) food security, vii) COVID-19 testing, viii) education, ix) worker safety, x) disaster management, and xi) enforcement. The nature of these responses altered in response to positive case numbers and vaccinations. There is no evidence the dimensions of iTaukei Indigeneity were included in the policy process highlighting the need to examine underlying political and power structures that may be silencing the voices of iTaukei.