Celebrating Cultural Heritage: MWT Fiji's Flea Market Chronicles

# Supporting Indigenous SMEs: A Pathway to Empowerment and Resilience

Indigenous Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and empowering indigenous communities. However, these enterprises often face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. In this context, it is paramount that we, as a society, recognize the value of supporting and investing in indigenous SMEs. By doing so, we not only contribute to the preservation of indigenous cultures but also promote economic empowerment, foster resilience, and ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

## Preserving Cultural Heritage

Indigenous SMEs are a vital conduit for preserving and promoting traditional art forms, craftsmanship, and cultural knowledge. These enterprises often specialize in producing authentic artisanal products, indigenous textiles, traditional jewelry, and indigenous medicinal practices, among others. By supporting indigenous SMEs, we contribute to the preservation and continuation of indigenous cultures, allowing them to thrive and pass their traditions onto future generations.

## Economic Empowerment and Local Development

Supporting indigenous SMEs has a direct impact on the economic empowerment of indigenous communities. These enterprises create employment opportunities within communities that are often marginalized and face limited access to formal employment. Indigenous SMEs provide an avenue for local talent to showcase their skills, tap into their creativity, and generate income that contributes directly to their community's economy. This economic empowerment improves living conditions, reduces poverty, and breaks the cycle of dependency, enabling indigenous communities to become self-sustainable.

## Fostering Resilience and Self-Determination

Indigenous SMEs act as agents of resilience within their communities. By supporting these enterprises, we empower indigenous communities to become financially independent and capable of weathering economic uncertainties. Indigenous SMEs provide an alternative to the dominant economic model, strengthening cultural identity and reinforcing the notion of self-determination. This resilience helps indigenous communities resist external pressures and assert their rights, while safeguarding their traditions, land, and cultural practices.
## Promoting Social Inclusion and Empathy

Supporting indigenous SMEs promotes social inclusion by bridging cultural gaps and breaking down stereotypes. When we engage with and purchase products from indigenous SMEs, we foster cultural exchange, dialogue, and understanding. This engagement allows non-indigenous individuals to develop an appreciation for indigenous cultures, traditions, and craftsmanship, leading to increased empathy and respect. Business transactions with indigenous SMEs also contribute to reversing historical injustices and acknowledging the inherent

MWT Fiji's Flea Market Chronicles with Talei CauCau

The flea market in Suva City is a treasure trove of handmade and traditional Fijian mats, baskets, bags, and jewelry. It is my favorite place to visit for special occasions because I usually buy gifts for family and friends from the flea market. I thought it would be great to write about my favorite SMEs at the market to raise awareness about the amazing work that they do.

Traditional crafts are very important for preserving Fijian culture because each design of a mat or print of masi comes from a specific village or province. Most villages in Fiji, both on the mainland and on the islands, have their own unique style of weaving mats, baskets, or bags.

The women who make and sell traditional Fijian mats and other products are preserving our culture for future generations. In addition to the significance of continuing centuries-old artwork, these women are entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and advocates for the women in their own villages and provinces.

Most of the Indigenous Fijian women who own SMEs, that I have spoken to, invest a portion of their funds in helping their relatives from their villages or community. The custom of giving and generosity plays a vital role in Indigenous Fijian society. Of course, like any other culture, this custom has its downsides. However, it is a characteristic that Indigenous Fijians have become well-known for, and we are proud of it.

Meliki, a native of Kadavu, owns Cohesion Investment, which is located at Shop 503 in the renovated part of the Suva Flea Market. Meliki opened her business so she can make a living and be her own boss. Her objective is to source products directly from women in villages so they can also make a living through her business. I buy a lot of handwoven purses and bags from Meliki’s business. Apart from supporting women in villages, Meliki also has a few employees who look after her shop.

Meliki, a native of Kadavu, owns Cohesion Investment, which is located at Shop 503 in the renovated part of the Suva Flea Market.

Many of these SMEs outsource work to women from their villages. For example, there are a few SMEs that buy the famous iri ni Daku from women in Daku Village so they can resell the product in the market. This system means that our purchase supports more than one family.

Meet Jacqueline Kete, a native of Lomaiviti, Fiji. Jacqueline is a multi-talented businesswoman and skilled weaver, dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship. With a passion for supporting local communities, she sources products from women in villages across Fiji. Through her work, Jacqueline empowers and uplifts women while showcasing the beauty of Fijian craftsmanship. Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inspire us all.

The Journey is another amazing SME owned by Jacqueline Kete, a native of Lomaiviti. Jacqueline is a talented businesswoman and weaver. She also sources products from women in villages around Fiji. I buy most of my gifts for family and friends from Jacqueline’s SME. Jacqueline and her mother have a wide variety of bags, purses, earrings, and mats to choose from.

Jacqueline’s business has a Facebook page. She can also be reached by email: kete.jaacque@gmail.com or telephone: 679 803 5787.

Jacqueline wants to help women in villages make a profit and conduct their businesses without selling products to extractive foreigners or large companies that take the credit for making the product and most of the profit from their work.

These inspiring women, and many others, continue to preserve our cultural heritage and customs by providing these important services and products that we use for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and funerals. Without their determination and hard work, we would lose a very important part of Indigenous Fijian culture. By supporting their work, we are supporting multiple families who will continue to invest in their villages and communities to help uplift Indigenous Fijians."