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Fijian American speaker highlights Fiji Day and local Fijian community in Sacramento County
Summary
Sitiveni Owen Ndida, a first‑generation Fijian American, addressed a public meeting to describe Fiji Day, note Sacramento County’s Fijian American population and describe cultural traditions including mekes and communal celebrations.
Sitiveni Owen Ndida, a first‑generation Fijian American resident, told a public meeting that Sacramento County is home to about 10,000 Fijian Americans and described Fiji Day, observed Oct. 10, as a day of reflection and unity.
“My dad is from Moai Somo Naita City, and my mom is from the chiefly family of Koro Naita, the chiefly village of the district of Ono in the province of Kandabu,” Ndida said. “I am a proud first generation Fijian American and the son of Fijian immigrants.”
Ndida told the meeting that Fijians worldwide celebrate Fiji Day on Oct. 10 to mark the country’s independence from British rule in 1970. “On October 10, 10/10/1970, the instruments of independence were signed, transferring sovereignty from the British crown to the people of Fiji,” he said, adding that Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara became the country’s first prime minister after independence.
“My family came to Sacramento from Fiji in search of the American dream,” Ndida said, describing how Fijian communities in Sacramento and Santa Rosa mark the day by sharing food and performing traditional dances known as mekes. He said the day is “a day of reflection and unity where all races and diverse cultures in Fiji unite and celebrate with their families and friends of its prosperity and peace.”
The comments were delivered during the meeting’s public comment period. The speaker’s remarks focused on cultural heritage and community identity; no formal action or request for county action was recorded in the meeting transcript.
