Kelera Oli, a daughter of Solomon Islanders, experienced a poignant moment on Thursday when she came across a photograph of her late father at a National Archives booth in Suva. This encounter took place during a two-day commemoration honoring the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji.
The sight of the photo flooded Ms. Oli with memories, highlighting her father’s lasting influence. Luke Oli, her father, was a committed schoolteacher known for his dedication during a time when Fiji’s Melanesian community faced significant colonial injustices. He spent his career teaching at St Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia and St John’s College, which was specifically established for Melanesian students.
Throughout her childhood, Ms. Oli’s family often moved, eventually settling in Suva. She recalled facing discrimination and being seen as an outsider due to her Solomon Islander background. Her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, chose to enroll her in Adi Cakobau School, a girls’ boarding school. She noted, however, that adapting to her new environment was not easy.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ms. Oli shared, “With my Solomon Islands heritage, I was often seen as an outsider. There were times I faced discrimination from certain groups, which could be hurtful, but I had to cope with it.” Despite these challenges, she cherishes the educational values her father instilled in her and her siblings.
Seeing her father’s image at the event filled her with hope and a sense of belonging. “Although he’s no longer with us, his values and teachings shaped who I am today,” she expressed. The anniversary event reignited her connection to her heritage and the Melanesian community’s history.
The last group of Solomon Islanders arrived in Fiji back in 1911. While many returned home after their contracts, some stayed and formed communities, particularly in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities were emerging, even as other labor groups were departing. Unlike their counterparts in Australia, who faced deportation, the Solomon Islanders in Fiji remained despite enduring marginalization and struggles for recognition.
Today, Ms. Oli and others like her honor the resilience of their ancestors, carrying forward the legacy of the Solomon Islanders in Fiji.
In a world where connections to heritage can offer strength and inform identity, Ms. Oli’s story reminds us of the importance of embracing one’s roots. It underscores the ongoing journey of reconciliation and recognition for marginalized communities.
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