Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a moment of deep reflection on Thursday at a National Archives booth in Suva when she came across a photograph of her late father. This was part of a two-day celebration marking the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. The photograph evoked strong memories for Ms. Oli, highlighting her father’s significant legacy.
Her father, Luke Oli, dedicated his life to teaching during the late 1900s, a time when the Melanesian community in Fiji faced considerable colonial injustices. He served as an educator at St. Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and later at St. John’s College, an institution established specifically for Melanesian students.
The family often moved before finally settling in Suva, where Ms. Oli encountered the challenges of discrimination due to her Solomon Islander heritage. Upon moving, her father, an alum of Queen Victoria School, enrolled her in Adi Cakobau School, a boarding school for girls. However, adapting to this new environment proved difficult, as she often felt like an outsider.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ms. Oli mentioned, “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 hurdles, she cherishes her father’s teachings about the importance of education.
Seeing her father’s image during the anniversary commemorations filled Ms. Oli with renewed hope and a strong connection to her heritage. “Although he’s no longer with us, his values and teachings shaped who I am today. I’m in awe of the great things he taught me and my siblings,” she shared. The event allowed her to embrace her roots and rekindle a sense of belonging.
The arrival of the last group of Solomon Islanders in Fiji in 1911 marked a significant moment in the country’s history. While many returned home after their three-year contracts, some chose to stay, establishing communities predominantly in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities began to develop alongside other groups, like Indian indentured laborers, who were also navigating the challenges of colonial land ownership.
Unlike their counterparts in Australia, who faced deportation, Solomon Islanders in Fiji managed to remain, albeit often on the margins of society and without secure land tenure. This has led to ongoing struggles for recognition and integration, yet the legacy of resilience remains alive through descendants like Ms. Oli, who continue to honor and recognize the enduring impact of their ancestors.
As we reflect on this commemorative event, it brings forth a sense of hope and a reminder of the strength found in embracing one’s heritage and history, fostering a path toward greater inclusion and understanding in society.
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