Community helps celebrate Fiji’s Independence Day
Chanting filled the room as the eight young Fijian men, bare-chested and dressed in traditional tribal attire, took their seats around a large mixing bowl. Stoic in expression, the men’s eyes bear a sense of intensity that matches the black circles drawn on the face, signifying the bravery of a warrior.
It is the Kava ceremony, a Fijian ritual where the kava plant root is pounded and mixed in a communal bowl, called a tano, and then shared usually with the tribal chief or honored guest that takes place before a Fijian celebration.
“Bulu,” shouts the room as a cup of Kava is handed to Uniontown Mayor Bill Gerke.
“Bulu,” echoes the mayor before digesting the earthy-tasting drink in one gulp and then lifting his tano in the air.
“Bulu,” he shouts again, this time to the cheers of the nearly 200 people in attendance.
On Saturday, members of the Uniontown Fijian community celebrated their 54th year of independence from British rule by inviting anyone who wanted to immerse themselves in the culture. The ceremony, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Uniontown, was a night filled with Fijian rituals, food, and dancing, along with laughter and kinship.
It was also a night to recognize the growing Fijian population in Uniontown.
“It’s wonderful that so many Fijians have chosen to call Uniontown their home,” Gerke said, who along with the former ambassador to Fiji, Jesoni Vitusagavulu of Silver Spring, Md., served as the evening’s special guest. “Our community welcomes you with open arms.”
The Fijian population in Fayette County, most notably Uniontown, continues to grow. Brought to the county because of fracking, local chapter Fijian President Ratu Tevita said he believes about 50 to 60 families now live in Uniontown.
“Uniontown has always welcomed us,” said Tevita. “And we feel like we are really growing within and alongside the community.”
Michael Dunham, of Uniontown, said he really enjoyed the ceremony and was in awe of the dancing and food taking place. Dunham said he’s developed a friendship with Tevita through the years and is proud his community is a place where Fijians can feel welcomed.
“If you think about it, they could have chosen anywhere else in the world, and they chose Fayette County.,” Dunham said. “The county may not be perfect, and no place is, but it just goes to show that we do have a place for everyone here.”
The Mayor and Dunham were not the only community members who came out to show support, as several Uniontown High School football team members came to support several of their teammates who were part of the evening’s ceremony.
“We’re a family,” said teammate Michael Thomas, 15, “They treat us like family, and we have their backs. Even before games the whole locker room is doing (Fijian warrior) dances before the game.”