11/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ
At the annual AIATSIS Summit on the Gold Coast on Yugambeh Country, Australia Evey Aihunu and I were amongst the delegates gathered to celebrate Mabo Day with powerful reflections from the family of the late Edward Koiki Mabo.
In Arena 2 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event highlighted the enduring legacy of the landmark 1992 High Court ruling that overturned terra nullius and paved the way for Indigenous land rights.
My Personal Reflections on a Historic Legacy. Addressing delegates at the summit, Gail Maboโdaughter of Edward Koiki Mabo โshared her emotional connection to her father's 15-year legal battle.
I had the opportunity to listen to the daughter and grandson of a relentless political campaigner who had a "restless spirit" and an inquiring mind.
I heard from Gail Mabo saying this statement as she introduces her reflection on her father legacy.
"It feels like the first year since this decision was made. It took him 15 years to do that deadly thing," she reflected, noting that the 34 years since the historic verdict often feels "just like yesterday."
She emphasized the heavy personal and financial toll the battle took on their family, from funding court fees to carrying the burden of the fight.
Despite these challenges, Gail noted that Mabo Day is ultimately a tribute to the strength, resilience, and enduring connection of First Nations peoples to their culture.
Edward Koiki Mabo's grandson, Kaleb Mabo, also spoke to delegates, highlighting that "justice for one is justice for all."
He urged the audience to recognize the importance of truth-telling, courage and collective action, affirming that the landmark decision recognized a power that has always been inherent to Indigenous communities.
Edward Koiki Mabo, a proud Meriam man from Murray Island, began his pursuit of justice in 1977.
He argued that Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples had lived on and managed their lands for millennia under their own laws and customs, refuting the British Crown's claim that the continent was unoccupied (terra nullius) prior to European settlement.
Tragically, Edward Mabo passed away on January 21, 1992, at the age of 55โjust five months before the High Court handed down its historic verdict.
On 3 June 1992, the High Court formally recognized the traditional rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, shattering the premise of terra nullius and leading directly to the passing of the Native Title Act in 1993.
The message of courage and truth-telling was carried forward at the summit through active cross-border engagement.
The Australian Volunteers Programโs Indigenous Pathways team joined forces with international delegates to foster dialogue around Indigenous knowledge, leadership and cultural exchange.
The delegation included Edward Haikau Huitarau of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association and Troy Laza of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
Their conversations focused heavily on caring for Country across borders, helping to shape and strengthen ongoing initiatives like the Indigenous Conservation Knowledge Exchange Program.
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๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
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Standing (Left โ Right): Edward Haikau Huitarau, Kaleb Mabo-Edward Koiki Mabo's grandson and Gail Maboโs son, Evey Aihunu and Kianna Taylor. Photo credit @ Myfranwy
Standing (Left โ Right): Edward Haikau Huitarau (Solomon Islands Rangers Association), Gail Mabo -daughter of Edward Koiki Mabo and Evey Aihunu (Australia Volunteer International โ SI Program) Photo credit @ Myfranwy