Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a deeply emotional moment on Thursday when she discovered a photograph of her late father at a National Archives booth in Suva. This poignant encounter was part of a two-day event commemorating the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji.
The photograph evoked powerful memories for Ms. Oli, highlighting her father’s lasting legacy. Luke Oli, her father, was a dedicated schoolteacher during the late 1900s, a timeframe marked by significant colonial injustices faced by Fiji’s Melanesian community. He devoted his career to educating the youth at St Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and later at St John’s College, a school established specifically for the Melanesian community.
The family’s journey included frequent relocations, eventually leading them to Suva. Ms. Oli recalls the challenges of growing up amid discrimination, especially from those who viewed her Solomon Islander heritage as foreign. When the family settled in Suva, her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, chose to enroll her at Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls boarding school, where she struggled to fit in.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ms. Oli noted, “With my Solomon Islands heritage, I was often seen as an outsider. There were times I faced discrimination, which could be hurtful, but I had to cope with it.” Despite these hurdles, she emphasizes her father’s belief in education as a pathway to a better future.
“Seeing my father’s image brought back hope and a sense of restoration,” Ms. Oli expressed. “Although he’s no longer with us, his values and teachings have shaped who I am today. I’m in awe of the great things he taught me and my siblings.”
During the anniversary event, Ms. Oli felt a profound connection to her heritage, stating, “As we commemorate the Melanesian community’s arrival, I felt a renewed sense of belonging.”
The Solomon Islanders’ legacy in Fiji began when the last group arrived in 1911. While many returned after their standard three-year contracts, some chose to stay, establishing communities primarily in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities were becoming more established amidst the backdrop of other groups, such as Indian indentured laborers, who were ending their contracts.
Unlike in Australia, where Solomon Islander populations faced deportation, those in Fiji were permitted to remain, although they continued to face marginalization. Many Melanesians lived on the fringes of society without secure land tenure, contributing to their ongoing struggle for recognition and integration.
This legacy is kept alive by descendants like Ms. Oli, who honor their ancestors’ resilience and the lasting impact they have made in Fiji. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and heritage, illustrating how personal experiences can inspire broader recognition and acceptance.
In summary, this article highlights the emotional journey of Kelera Oli as she revisits her father’s legacy during a significant commemoration of Melanesian history in Fiji. It underscores the themes of resilience, belonging, and the importance of education in overcoming adversity.
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