Eddie Koiki Mabo Infographic
This infographic highlights a small portion of the life, activism, and lasting impact of Eddie Koiki Mado, a Meriam leader whose work transformed Indigenous land rights in Australia. It summarizes key aspects of his biography, the social and historical context in which he lived, his community development strategies, and the national significance of the 1992 Mabo vs Queensland (No. 2) decision.
Eddie Mabo was a Meriam man from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait who became a central figure in the struggle for Indigenous land rights. His activism emerged during a period when Australia operated under terra nullius, a colonial doctrine that denied Indigenous peoples’ relationships to their land. Through grassroots organizing, cultural education, and collaboration with lawyers and community leaders, Mabo helped bring the landmark Mabo case to the High Court. As the lead plaintiff, he and other Meriam Elders provided testimony and cultural evidence demonstrating their people’s long-standing connection to Mer Island. After a decade-long legal battle, the 1992 High Court decision overturned terra nullius and recognized native title, acknowledging that Indigenous peoples had lived on and cared for their lands long before colonization.
This ruling transformed national understandings of sovereignty, justice, and Indigenous rights, and continues to influence legal reform and community-led advocacy today. Mabo’s story demonstrates the power of persistence, cultural knowledge, and community-led action in creating systemic change. His legacy is honoured annually on June 3, known as Mabo Day, and remains a guiding example for future generations of Indigenous leaders and community developers.
References:
Hibler, J., Luebering, J. (2025, June 25). Eddie Koiki Mabo. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eddie-Koiki-Mabo
Loos, N. (1997). Edward Koiki Mabo: The journey to native Title. Journal of Australian Studies, 21(54–55), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/14443059709387343
Mabo Centre. (n.d.). Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy. National Native Title Council & University of Melbourne. https://mabocentre.com/
Powell, W. (2021). Eddie Mabo. ArcGIS StoryMaps. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d93debdf1ad345fb965937f6babdce0e