Born on 29 June 1936 in his village of Las on the island of Mer in the Torres Strait, Eddie Koiki Mabo was the fourth child of Robert Zesou Sambo and Poipe (Sambo) Mabo. His mother passed away shortly after his birth and he was adopted by his Uncle Benny and Aunty Maigo Mabo in line with Islander custom.
Mabo's legacy resulted in the Native Title Act of Australia of 1993 - an important step forward for the country in land use, access and ownership.
Summary: The High Court's Mabo Decision in late 1992 was probably the most significant legal decision ever made by an Australian court. Sadly though, it led to widespread scaremongering by sections of the community and the so-called 'Mabo Myths' put Aboriginal spokespeople firmly on the back foot. Lateline carefully examines the myths related to the security of various types of land title in Australia and, as one observer said, 'admirably clarifies the decision and its meaning for all Australians'.
Eddie Mabo's epic struggle in the High Court for the recognition of native title marked a milestone for the Indigenous movement in Australia.
Edward Koiki Mabo was born on Mer (Murray) Island in 1936, and was adopted by his uncle, Benny Mabo shortly following his mother's death. Eddie was exiled from the Island when he was 16, and worked across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait before settling in Townsville with his young family in 1962.