Mabo Day facts for kids

Mabo Day is a special day celebrated every year on 3 June. It's an official holiday in the Torres Shire in Australia. This important day happens during National Reconciliation Week, which is a time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mabo Day marks the anniversary of a very important court decision. This decision, called Mabo v Queensland (No 2), was made by Australia's highest court, the High Court of Australia. This ruling officially recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had rights to their traditional lands before European settlement.

Who Was Eddie Mabo?

Mabo Day celebrates Eddie Koiki Mabo, a brave Torres Strait Islander man. He was born around 29 June 1936 and passed away on 21 January 1992. Eddie Mabo fought for many years for the land rights of his people. His efforts led to the High Court's landmark decision.

What Was Terra Nullius?

Before the Mabo decision, Australian law was based on a idea called terra nullius. This Latin phrase means "nobody's land." It was a legal idea that said Australia was empty land when Captain Cook arrived in 1770. This meant that Indigenous Australians were not seen as owning their land.

The Mabo decision changed this. It overturned terra nullius. This was a huge step towards recognising the long history and connection Indigenous Australians have with their land.

Why a Public Holiday?

After the High Court's decision, many people felt that Mabo Day should be a national public holiday. In 2002, ten years after the decision, Eddie Mabo's wife, Bonita Mabo, suggested it.

Calls for Recognition

In 2003, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) started a petition. They wanted 3 June to become an Australian Public Holiday. Eddie Mabo Jnr, Eddie Mabo's son, spoke for his family. He said a public holiday would honour his father and his co-plaintiffs. These were James Rice, Father Dave Passi, Sam Passi, and Celuia Salee.

He also said it would recognise all Indigenous Australians. He felt it would be a celebration of truth and justice. A public holiday would unite all Australians. It would celebrate the overturning of the terra nullius myth.

National Campaign

In 2010, a new campaign began. Its goal was to make Mabo Day a national holiday across all of Australia. This would allow everyone to celebrate this important day together.