Produced by the University of Fiji, the documentary film, 'Drua: A Beacon of Discovery' captures the multi--disciplinary research conducted by the University of Fiji faculty and students on how traditional indigenous knowledge both mitigates and adapts to climate crises in three coastal villages in the villages of Veiseisei, Lauwaki, and Namoli in Fiji.
The University of Fiji's researchers travelled to the villages in a traditional canoe called the 'drua', simultaneously showcasing ancient navigators' skills in reading the stars and currents and passing them on to the next generation, thus placing themselves and their research in the category of 'the good ancestor'.
The Drua, with Captain Setareki from the Centre for iTaukei Studies, aims to continue its voyage to other villages and coastal areas to further research the ecological and climate crises affecting ocean life in Fiji.
The film was released internationally at the Pacific Festival of Arts (FestPac) in Hawai'i and was premiered in Fiji at the University on International Seafarers Day June 25th.
The RSA is proud to support the work of the University of Fiji in re-connecting with traditional place-based knowledges and regenerative practices to shape sustainable futures in the region.