The recently formed Burdekin Mabo Day Committee hosted celebrations to mark Mabo Day on Monday, June 3.
Mabo Day honours the achievements of Torres Strait Islander Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’.
The day was celebrated by the local Indigenous community with breakfast, a flag raising ceremony, speeches from First Nations elders and youth, traditional games and a ceremonial dinner and dances.
“We’re acknowledging the footprints that our elders have laid as foundations for us to continue fighting for equal opportunities and rights,” said Burdekin Mabo Day Committee and immediate relative of Mr Mabo, Alingai Omey.
“Grandad Koiki achieved remarkable results.
“What he did set precedence not just here in Australia, but internationally.”
Caption: The Burdekin Mabo Day Committee, special guests, elders and the Burdekin indigenous community gathered to commemorate Mabo Day earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Eddie Koiki Mabo was born in 1936 on the Torres Strait Island of Mer (Murray).
He went on to become a staff member at Townsville’s James Cook University before establishing and becoming director of the Black Community School in Townsville.
It was through his association with JCU humanities and education staff that Mr Mabo became interested in Native Title and in who owned the land on which his people lived.
“He took the challenge to prove that terra nullius (land belonging to no-one) did not exist and fought the system and the Crown to get our culture and land recognised,” said Burdekin Mabo Day Committee member and immediate relative of Mr Mabo, Alingai Omey.
Mr Mabo's legal pursuit of these issues resulted in one of the most significant legal cases in Australian history, completely overturning the idea of terra nullius and challenging traditionally held beliefs about how Australia came into being.
The landmark decision of six Australian High Court judges on June 3, 1992 ruled: The Meriam people are entitled as against the whole world to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the lands of the Murray Islands [in Torres Strait].
This ruling is celebrated every year on June 3 as Mabo Day, with the Burdekin Mabo Committee forming within the last month to host events to honour and celebrate the Indigenous culture of the region.
“Our initial drive came after sadly hearing that a whole generation of Indigenous kids here in the Burdekin did not know key people who have achieved milestones over the years, they’ve never experienced key events and celebrations,” Ms Omey said.
“Here in the Burdekin and other smaller towns, there are gaps, and I’m hoping to achieve sustainable outcomes in the long run so we can teach children about history, how to move forward in a respectful manner, and include everyone in a more united journey of mutual respect.”
The Burdekin Mabo Committee marked the day, alongside Reconciliation Week (May 27 to June 3) and National Sorry Day (May 26), with a flag raising ceremony, traditional games and feasts, as well as the unveiling of ‘Remembering Mabo’, a collection of Mr Mabo’s personal items displayed at the Burdekin Library.
The Committee also expressed their support for a campaign to establish Mabo Day as a public holiday for all Australians to be celebrated on June 3.
In doing so, Ms Omey hopes to educate and inspire the wider community to carry on the message of culture and community.
“We can’t go back in history, but we can definitely build a greater future, and part of that greater future becomes a level of understanding, acknowledging, educating and fostering a mutual respect within the community,” she said.
“Without having events to commemorate these days, how will people know?
“Our overall aim is looking at engaging stakeholders and hopefully we have more events here, not just to bring people together, but to educate our youth.”
L-R Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Glenn Arboit, Burdekin Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Alingai Omey of the Burdekin Mabo Day Committee. Photo supplied
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