Naceva Community Fiji — OETHICA GROUP PRODUCTIONS

“This is a collaboration, where collectively in listening carefully to what it is that people are seeking to resolve or are challenged by… that WE, together demonstrate true reciprocity, that WE account for how our contribution is made, with no agenda, with no false sense of hope, with no “us versus them” nor an unethical position that positions anyone as greater than the other. With all due respect, we listen, we journal and we live our truth not as a religion nor paternalistic venture, nor rather in our capacity because we care enough to do something about it all.”

03-Aug-2023-Naceva-Village — Naceva Village & Community, Beqa Island, Fiji

Through our advocacy, actions and determination we invest our time and expertise as filmmakers, academics and researchers in projects which grow communities and their people. We are told our achievements have a long-tail global impact, enabling many people to speak out their truths, walk in their dreaming and in turn look after our planet. We believe what we do every day matters, collectively and in conjunction with those whose life story matters as much as our own life stories do.

CONNECTION

The Naceva Village and broader community on Bega Island in Fiji are the finest human example of compassion, fortitude and resilience. On the 3rd August 2023, we were welcomed as visitors to Beqa Island from the proximate Royal Davui Resort. Many of the Naceva Community work at the resort in a variety of professional roles.

The reality is that many visitors to this beautiful part of the world come here to holiday and spend their money, yet as Magali and I noted, many conveniently side step the brutal reality of history that presents itself in this part of the world.

We were entertained by the school children, we purchased beautiful crafts and artworks and organised soon after to return on the 8th August 2023 for a full and proper introduction to the Village Elders, members of the Naceva Development Committee, the Methodist Reverend Mesake Vakaloloma, the school Head Teacher and School Principal and Aparama Qaluma Ratubaka, our key communications contact. We made a small contribution of 50 AUD the following day to the Naceva School through our Royal Davui hosts, with notation receipt of contribution by the Head Teacher of the Naceva Village School.

This connection is about relating to the village community and growing our appreciation through reciprocity, not abject altruism.

WELCOME

On Tuesday 8th August we were taken from Royal Davui across to the Naceva Community, Beqa Island by two Naceva Village leaders, “Sparky” Eminoni Galivia and “Arpi” Apenisa Kuruiwaca who had organised for our first formal cultural meeting with the Village Elders, members of the Naceva Development Committee, young Village men and the Methodist Reverend Mesake Vakaloloma.

We brought with us a large pre-arranged package of Kava which we had purchased to share and drink in the Village Community Centre. We listened to the traditional welcome carefully and were honoured to be welcomed formally to the entire village and community. Magali and I both made formal introduction statements of the work that we do and have done through many years in Aboriginal communities throughout Australia and our lived experience in many parts of the world.

We listened carefully to the key challenges that the community is facing and have understood their determination to work on projects with those willing to engage in constructive and meaningful ways.

03-August-2023-IMG-4300 — Naceva Village Home & Community, Beqa Island, Fiji

CONTRIBUTION

During the intermission of our meeting with the Village Elders and community, we were taken by Aparama to meet again with the Head Teacher, Selai and School Administrator, Saula of the Naceva Community School. We donated a further $100 AUD to the school for their needs.

Our donation was a small token of appreciation and it was presented to us as means for them to raise well needed funds for the education of the school children.

In listening to the Village Elders and the men of the village we learned that the most pressing challenge for the community is the construction of a sea wall buffer to counteract the prevailing swells and currents that buffet the front alluvial plain of the village, especially during monsoon season. This is all a result of global warming and is a full attributed erosive factor that is causing an “Out of Bounds” area adjacent to the school, endangering the lives of the community members.

In discussion with Aparama, Magali and I declared we would contribute our principal foundation contribution of 5000 FJD (3,453.52 AUD) to the Naceva Seawall Project through the Naceva Development Committee. This was met with great enthusiasm as it immediately provides funds to purchase concrete to build the seawall blocks and employs the village men in the construction of the wall. We emphasised to the entire Village Development Committee that we are people of action and determination, not faith and hope alone.

We also contributed 500 FJD (343.93 AUD) to the Naceva Village & Community Methodist Church renovations fund to make repairs to the current roofing of that building as the Methodist Reverend Mesake Vakaloloma requires.

Methodist Reverend Mesake Vakaloloma holding Oethica Group Productions
contribution to Church renovations receipt.

Dr Magali McDuffie (L), Dr Alexander Hayes (C) and Mrs. Selai Camaibau, Head of Uluinakorovatu Primary School (R)

On the 25th August 2023 our colleague Jacqueline Bates contributed 500 FJD ( $359.96 AUD ) to the Naceva Village Development Council account via Aparama for the “Out Of Bounds Project. We also brokered a contribution of 500 FJD ( $354.96 AUD) on the 26th August 2023 for a Contributor who wishes to remain anonymous.

INVESTMENT

Our core contributions, we consider, gainfully demonstrate our capacity and willingness to listen and to engage in activities which are ethically aligned with our Principles.

Our life purpose is clear - do well and do no harm - and the support of the community in both development and revitalisation as a partnership is as much a benefit for ourselves as two very busy people, as it is to the Naceva Community. We view our contribution of our time to community development as the most precious resource of all, likewise we utilise that time in communities guided by Elders with our own lived experience over thirty years.

Our business is about people and Country. We value connection and our philanthropic investments are guided by our Principles how we can make a difference in other peoples lives, not just our own. We consider community as Family and endeavour to listen carefully through the Kalara and Ngikalikarra emancipatory processes, mindful with eyes wide open of the challenges of an encroaching technological matrix for First Nations.

To be as successful as possible means we also give back through raising awareness, coordinating initiatives to raise funds to drive projects, which all grow individuals capacity and community capability. Our approach is sustainable, in the broadest possible definition of that word. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s about caring for its people – our communities, clients, our contacts and our Staff.