Colonization has left enduring social, cultural, economic, and political legacies across Fiji and the Pacific, profoundly shaping indigenous societies and their development trajectories. The imposition of foreign governance structures, land tenure systems, and Western education disrupted traditional knowledge systems, social hierarchies, and community governance, creating persistent inequalities and challenges to cultural continuity. This paper critically examines the lasting impacts of colonization on indigenous cultures in Fiji and the wider Pacific, highlighting how historical policies have influenced contemporary issues such as land disputes, educational disparities, social stratification, and economic dependency. Drawing on Human and Indigenous Knowledge frameworks, the study explores efforts at decolonization, including curriculum reforms that integrate indigenous epistemologies, community-led cultural revitalization programs, and policy initiatives aimed at restoring indigenous governance, land rights, and social equity. The paper emphasizes the resilience and agency of Pacific communities in reclaiming identity, knowledge, and cultural practices disrupted by colonial processes. Furthermore, it investigates the role of regional and international frameworks, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, in supporting local decolonization and cultural revitalization initiatives. The findings underscore that decolonization in Fiji and the Pacific is not merely a historical or symbolic endeavour but a transformative process with implications for education, governance, economic development, and social cohesion. By centring indigenous perspectives and fostering culturally grounded solutions, Pacific nations can navigate the legacies of colonization while promoting inclusive development, social justice, and cultural sustainability. This paper contributes to broader discourses on postcolonial studies, indigenous rights, and Pacific development, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders committed to creating equitable and culturally vibrant futures.

colonization, decolonization, indigenous cultures, Fiji, Pacific, cultural revitalization, indigenous knowledge, postcolonial studies

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