THE granddaughter of Eddie Mabo continues her grandfather’s quest for justice as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s and human rights activist.
Boneta-Marie Mabo and daughter Poipi, 17 months, were guests at Logan’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations at Logan Brothers Football Club last week.
On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, held ownership of Mer, also known as Murray Island.
In acknowledging the traditional rights of the Meriam people to the land, the court also held that native title existed for all Indigenous people and paved the way for future indigenous land rights claims.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme Don’t Keep History a Mystery highlighted lesser known aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.
Logan’s all-ages gathering on Thursday, June 14 brought together students from local schools with Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander musicians, dancers and community workers to hear family stories told by guests that included Ms Mabo and elder Aunty Faith Green.
Logan acting mayor Cherie Dalley said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander story was woven into the fabric of Logan.
“Logan is proud of its rich Indigenous heritage and the council has been at the forefront of promoting reconciliation in the city, Having Boneta-Marie here, someone with such an intimate knowledge of the reconciliation process, should inspire us all as a community to build a stronger understanding of Indigenous Australia and its place in our city,” she said.