Organisation Profile And History
The Fiji Rotuman Association originated 45 years ago with the humble beginnings of informal meetings of a group of Rotumans who would meet regularly to catch up with kainagas and update them of their genealogy and other important matters. It was a way to be reminded and embrace the Rotuman culture, its identity and heritage through sharing and nurturing.
The organisation has transitioned over the years from an informal structure to now a registered non-profit organisation under the Charitable Trust Act. Membership to the FRA is through a distinct blood connection to any one of the seven districts, namely, Noa’tau, Oinafa, Itu‘ti’u, Malha’a, Juju, Pepjei and Itu‘muta and coverage extends to Rotumans in Suva, other parts of Fiji and abroad. It has a Council made up of 2 representatives from each district, a secretariat that administers the operations and a representative each from the women, men and youth. All members in the Council and Secretariat work for the FRA on volunteer basis, most of whom are in full time paid jobs.
The FRA is funded through membership fees and fundraisings within the seven districts and occasionally from our overseas based families. Rotuma Day is a major event celebrated in May annually to bring Rotumans together to witness traditional dancing and showcase handicraft work, food crops and many other talent from all segments; women, men and youths. Its long term strategic goal is to establish a cultural hub to centralise all its operations and continue to unite all our Rotuman people.