Mabo

Mabo is a biographical drama film based on the remarkable life of Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander who embarked on a life-changing journey that would challenge the notion of terra nullius in Australia. Born in 1936 on the island of Mer in the Torres Strait, Eddie was the eighth out of 12 children to his parents, Patrick and Aimee Mabo. The family lived a traditional life, relying on fishing and farming for their livelihood. Eddie's father, Patrick, was a respected traditional leader on their island and was involved in the traditional ceremonies and events of the Torres Strait Islander people. Growing up, Eddie learned the rich cultural heritage of his people and the importance of his indigenous identity. However, this sense of pride and identity was often met with racism and marginalization from the Australian settlers who viewed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as inferior. As the years went by, Eddie began to feel the limitations of the education system in the Torres Strait. With limited opportunities and resources, Eddie decided to leave school at the age of 15 to pursue a life at sea. Joining a pearl diving expedition, Eddie developed a strong sense of determination and adaptability that would serve him well in the years to come. His experiences during this time would lay the foundation for his eventual role as a leader in his community. After several years at sea, Eddie married his wife, Boneta, and began to take an active role in his community. He became involved in the establishment of the Torres Strait Islander Island Council and started working towards improving the living conditions of his people. Eddie's dedication to his community and his fight for their rights began to earn him a reputation as a leader and a champion for indigenous rights. In 1981, Eddie's life took a dramatic turn when he was evicted from his family home on the island of Mer by the Queensland government. The government claimed that the land was Crown land, and Eddie and his family were forced to vacate the property. This event sparked something within Eddie, and he became determined to challenge the authorities and take a stand for his people. He began to research the history of his island and the rights of the Torres Strait Islander people. Eddie's efforts were met with resistance and hostility from the authorities. However, undeterred by the setbacks, he continued to work tirelessly to gather evidence and document the history of his people. With the help of a local academic, lawyer, and anthropologist, Eddie's research began to take shape, and he began to develop a case that would challenge the very foundation of Australian politics. In 1982, Eddie and his lawyers prepared to take on the Queensland government in the Queensland Court of Dismissing of Appeal, arguing that they were entitled to common law native title rights. However, this case was met with defeat, and Eddie was left to pick up the pieces. Undeterred, he and his lawyers decided to take their case to the High Court, where the stakes were higher, and the challenge would be even greater. The High Court case, Mabo v Queensland (No 2), was one of the most significant cases in Australian history. It challenged the notion of terra nullius, a concept that had been used to justify the dispossession of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their land. Eddie and his lawyers presented their case, drawing on the rich cultural heritage of the Torres Strait Islander people, and arguing that the land had been occupied and used by his ancestors for thousands of years. The High Court deliberated for several months, and on June 3, 1992, the verdict was delivered. In a landmark decision, Justice Brennan ruled that the concept of terra nullius was "untenable" and that the common law recognized the rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to their land. The decision paved the way for indigenous Australians to seek recognition and justice for the dispossession of their land. Eddie's determination and courage in the face of adversity had brought about a significant change in Australian law and politics. The Mabo decision sparked widespread debate, discussion, and reform. Eddie Mabo's legacy extends far beyond his High Court win; his determination and resilience inspired a new generation of indigenous Australians to stand up for their rights and fight for recognition.