You’ve probably heard of many celebrations in your life. Easter, Christmas, Halloween and your birthday are just some of the many delightful times of the year.

Although…

Have you ever heard of Mabo Day?

Mabo Day is celebrated on the 3rd of June annually in Australia, although people all over the world can celebrate it. It commemorates the life of Eddie Koiko Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander. But… what did he do?

The Mabo Case was basically a landmark decision in the progression of Aboriginal Native Title rights. In May of 1982, Edddie and 4 other men of Murray Island took action in the High Court to legally confirm their traditional Native Title rights.

In February of 1986, Meriam challenged the legislation and the High Court and began to hear Mabo no. 2, which was the case of the Meriam’s land.

On the 3rd of June in 1992, most of the judges of the High Court agreed that the Meriam held the traditional ownership of the Mer (Murray Island.) Thus, the ownership of Mer was transferred.

So now you know the history of this day - but why is all of that so important? Well, the Mabo decision introduced the native title into the Australian legal system; this meant that all Indigenous Australians were and are recognised as owners of the land.

We should all appreciate Eddie Koiko Mabo and the rest of the Meriam for starting the native title and placing it in the legal system of Australia. Not only that, but Australia is no longer known as “Terra Nuilius,” which means “no man’s land.” As you know now, this name is straight-up false.

Sadly, Eddie Mabo passed away 5 months before the 3rd of June, 1992, from cancer and was never able to hear about what he and the rest of Meriam had achieved successfully.

Let’s all raise our glasses to Eddie Koiko Mabo - one of the many heroes of the Indigenous Australian community, who fought for his family’s land. Cheers!

Written by: Hazel Antler
Edited by: Autumn Aschinger
Proofread by: Xyryx Mooncrest