Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a poignant moment on Thursday when she came across a photograph of her late father at a booth in the National Archives in Suva. This encounter was part of a two-day celebration commemorating the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Melanesian laborers in Fiji.
The photograph sparked a flood of memories for Ms. Oli, particularly highlighting her father’s enduring impact. Luke Oli was a devoted schoolteacher in the late 1900s, a time when Fiji’s Melanesian community faced significant colonial injustices. He dedicated his life to educating young minds at St Paul’s Primary School and St John’s College, which was established to serve the Melanesian population.
Throughout their journey, the family moved frequently and eventually settled in Suva. Ms. Oli recalls the challenges of discrimination she faced growing up, attributed to her Solomon Islander heritage. When her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, decided to send her to Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls boarding institution, she struggled to fit in within her new environment.
“My Solomon Islands heritage often made me feel like an outsider,” she reflected, acknowledging the hurtful experiences of discrimination she faced. Despite these obstacles, Ms. Oli treasures her father’s belief in the importance of education for their future.
“The sight of my father’s image gave me hope and a sense of renewal,” she remarked. “Even though he is no longer with us, his values and teachings continue to influence who I am today. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons he imparted to my siblings and me.”
During this significant anniversary, Ms. Oli felt a profound connection to her heritage. “As we celebrate the Melanesian community’s arrival, I experienced a revived sense of belonging,” she shared.
The legacy of Solomon Islanders in Fiji began with the last group arriving in 1911. While many returned home after their contracts, some chose to remain, establishing communities primarily in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities had started forming, even as other groups, such as Indian indentured laborers, were concluding their contracts.
Unlike their counterparts in Australia, who faced deportation, the Solomon Islanders in Fiji were allowed to stay, yet they encountered marginalization. This led to many Melanesians living on the fringes of society without secure land tenure, affecting their ongoing fight for recognition and integration.
The legacy of resilience continues, as descendants like Ms. Oli honor the contributions and enduring spirit of their ancestors in Fiji.
This article not only highlights the rich history of the Melanesian community in Fiji but also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that those whose families have faced discrimination continue to exhibit. It inspires hope and connection through shared heritage and education, bridging the past with the future for generations to come.
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