The Malvatu Mauri (Bislama, adapted from the various Oceanic languages) (National Council of Chiefs) is a formal advisory body of chiefs recognised by the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/National_Council_of_Chiefs%2C_Vanuatu.jpg/220px-National_Council_of_Chiefs%2C_Vanuatu.jpg)
The council was first established in July 1976 with 20 members, and Willy Bongmatur was its first chairman.[1]
Members of the Council are elected by their fellow chiefs sitting in district councils of chiefs. The Council plays a significant role in advising the government on all matters concerning ni-Vanuatu culture and languages.
According to chief Willie Bongmatur Maldo, "Mal" means chief, "vatu" means stone, island, or place, and "mauri" means something that is alive.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Bernard Hours. "Custom and Politics in the New Hebrides" (PDF).
- ^ "Chief Willie Bongmatur Maldo and the role of chiefs in Vanuatu". Archived from the original on 2011-03-30. Retrieved 2009-06-14.