Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a heartfelt moment on Thursday when she stumbled upon a photograph of her late father at a National Archives booth in Suva. This encounter occurred during a two-day commemoration marking the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers arriving in Fiji, a milestone that evoked cherished memories for Ms. Oli, emphasizing her father’s lasting impact on her life.
Luke Oli, Ms. Oli’s father, was a committed schoolteacher during the late 1900s when Fiji’s Melanesian community was grappling with colonial injustices. Throughout his career, he focused on educating youth, working at institutions such as St Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia and St John’s College, a school established for the Melanesian community. The family’s journey involved numerous relocations before eventually settling in Suva.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Ms. Oli recalled facing discrimination due to her Solomon Islander heritage, particularly when her family made the move to Suva. Despite the challenges of fitting in and the hurtful treatment at times, she draws strength from her father’s teachings about the importance of education.
“Seeing my father’s image brought back hope and a sense of restoration,” Ms. Oli expressed. “Even though he’s no longer here, his values and lessons shape who I am today, and I feel grateful for the wisdom he imparted to my siblings and me.”
The 160th-anniversary event allowed Ms. Oli to re-establish her connection to her heritage, noting that commemorating the arrival of the Melanesian community instilled in her a renewed sense of belonging.
The legacy of Solomon Islanders in Fiji began with the last group arriving in 1911. While many returned home after their initial contracts, others chose to stay and flourished in areas like Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these groups began forming communities while others, like Indian indentured laborers, were concluding their contracts.
Unlike the Solomon Islander communities in Australia, who faced deportation, those in Fiji were able to remain but still contend with marginalization. Many Melanesians have found themselves on the margins of society, struggling for recognition and integration without secure land tenure. Despite these challenges, their legacy persists through descendants like Ms. Oli, who honor their ancestors’ resilience and the significant contributions they made to Fijian society.
This article highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of all communities in shaping a nation’s identity and encourages us to celebrate diversity and heritage in our societies, providing hope and unity for future generations.
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