Today is Mabo Day – an annual commemoration of Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Mer Island Elder whose High Court land rights case successfully overturned the legal principle of ‘terra nullius’ or ‘land belonging to no-one’.
He was successful – and the Mabo case historically changed the way First Nations people and their cultural connection to land are acknowledged under Australian law.
Sadly, Eddie Mabo died five months before the landmark determination was handed down by the High Court in 1992. His legacy endures in the fight for truth-telling, treaties, justice, healing and reparations today.
There is still so much work to do. Five hundred and ninety-four First Nations people have died in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991. Nine have died this year alone.
Today we should be inspired by the strength, courage and persistent advocacy of Eddie Mabo, and take it with us in the ongoing work for First Nations justice.
Always was. Always will be 🖤
🎨 via Marc Nemorin