Rusiate Nayacakalou

Rusiate Nayacakalou (1927–1972) was a Fijian social anthropologist who was a graduate of the universities of New Zealand and London. Following his education at Lelean Memorial School, in Nausori, Fiji Nayacakalou joined the Fijian public service where his excellent academic potential was recognised by the Colonial Government and was sent for tertiary education in New Zealand. He completed a B.A Economics (1st Class Honours) and then a B.A Anthropology before completing an M.A in Anthropology (Honours) in 1956. He then went on to the University of London where he became the first South Pacific islander to graduate with a PhD in 1963. His mentor at the University of London was Professor Sir Raymond Firth.

In 1964, after his appointment to the staff of the Anthropology Department of the University of Sydney, he was released to advise the Great Council of Chiefs in Fiji on the restructuring of the Fijian Administration, and was later responsible for implementing this restructuring.

Dr. Nayacakalou was awarded the O.B.E in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June 1971 as a result of that work.

His citation reads: “The general acceptance and successful implementation of the important reforms of the Fijian Administration are largely the works of Dr Nayacakalou and in this achievement he has made a significant contribution to the future of his people and the Dominion of Fiji.”

Rusiate Nayacakalou's untimely passing in 1972 occurred while he was managing the Native Land Trust Board in Fiji. His life and work illustrate the ways in which anthropological reflexivity can inspire moral critique from its subjects when a critical stance toward tradition is mistaken as an attack on indigenous sovereignty.

As a scholar, administrator, consultant and statesman, he served Fiji and the Pacific.

The Polynesian Society of the University of Auckland, New Zealand decided to instigate a Medal named in honour of Dr Nayacakalou, for recognising distinguished scholarly publications on the islands and communities of Polynesia. The Nayacakalou Medal was designed for the Polynesian Society by Robert Ellis, and was awarded for the first time in the centennial year of the University, 1986.