Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced deep emotions on Thursday while viewing a photograph of her late father at a National Archives booth in Suva. This moment was part of a two-day event commemorating the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji, which evoked powerful memories for Ms. Oli, reminding her of her father’s significant legacy.
Her father, Luke Oli, dedicated his life to education as a schoolteacher during the late 1900s, a time when Fiji’s Melanesian community faced colonial injustices. He worked tirelessly at St Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and St John’s College, which was founded specifically for students from the Melanesian community.
The Oli family frequently relocated during their journey before settling in Suva, where Ms. Oli recalls experiencing discrimination linked to her Solomon Islander heritage. Despite this, her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, chose to enroll her in Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls’ boarding institution. Fitting into this new environment was challenging, as Ms. Oli reflected on feeling like an outsider due to her heritage. She shared that facing discrimination was painful but ultimately an experience she learned to cope with as they were often seen as different from the iTaukei community.
Looking back, Ms. Oli fondly remembers her father’s teachings on the importance of education as a pathway to success. “Seeing my father’s image brought back hope and a sense of restoration,” she expressed. Although he has passed on, his values and lessons have notably shaped her identity. The anniversary event sparked a strong connection to her heritage, filling her with a renewed sense of belonging.
The historical backdrop of the Solomon Islanders’ arrival in Fiji is significant. The last group came in 1911, with some returning home after their contracts, while many others established lasting communities, particularly in Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities began to flourish despite facing marginalization. Unlike their counterparts in Australia, Solomon Islanders in Fiji were allowed to stay but lived on the fringes of society without secure land rights, which has contributed to their ongoing struggle for recognition.
Today, descendants like Ms. Oli continue to honor the resilience of their ancestors and the lasting impact of Solomon Islanders in Fiji. This story serves as a testament to the strength of cultural heritage and the importance of education in overcoming life’s challenges.
Through honoring their history and values, communities are finding strength and hope, paving the way for future generations. The tribute at the 160th anniversary not only celebrated the past but also reinforced a sense of identity and belonging within the Melanesian community.
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