Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a wave of emotions 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 event commemorating the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji, stirring deep memories for Ms. Oli and highlighting her father’s lasting influence.
Luke Oli, Ms. Oli’s father, was a devoted educator in the late 1900s, a time when Fiji’s Melanesian community faced significant colonial injustices. He dedicated his life to teaching at St. Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and St. John’s College, a school established specifically for the Melanesian population.
Throughout their family’s journey, which involved multiple relocations before settling in Suva, Ms. Oli often encountered discrimination, particularly due to her Solomon Islander heritage. Faced with challenges, including fitting into her new environment when she attended Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls’ boarding school, she shared her experiences of being viewed as an outsider.
“I often felt different due to my Solomon Islands heritage,” Ms. Oli remarked. “Certain groups discriminated against us, which could be painful, but I learned resilience in the face of that hurt. We were often seen as distinct from the iTaukei community.”
Reflecting on her father’s teachings, Ms. Oli expressed gratitude for the importance he placed on education. “Witnessing my father’s image evoked hope and a profound sense of restoration,” she said. “Though he is no longer with us, his values and lessons significantly shaped my identity. I cherish the wisdom he imparted to my siblings and me.”
The event celebrating the Melanesian community rejuvenated her sense of belonging. “As we recognize the arrival of the Melanesian community, I felt a renewed connection to my heritage,” she shared.
The background of Solomon Islanders in Fiji is both rich and complex. The last group arrived in Fiji in 1911, and while many returned home after their contracts ended, some chose to stay and establish communities, particularly in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities were forming alongside other groups, such as Indian indentured laborers.
In contrast to Australia, where such communities were largely deported, Solomon Islanders in Fiji managed to remain, albeit facing marginalization and struggles for recognition. Many still exist on the fringes of society, lacking secure land rights, yet their resilience persists through descendants like Ms. Oli, who honor the legacy and impact of their ancestors.
This story underscores the significance of heritage and the strength derived from familial and cultural bonds. It illustrates how remembering and honoring the past can inspire hope and a sense of belonging, reminding us that history plays a crucial role in shaping our identities and resilience.
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