Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, was deeply moved on Thursday as she came across a photograph of her late father at a National Archives exhibit in Suva. This encounter was part of a two-day event honoring the 160th anniversary of Melanesian laborers’ arrival in Fiji. The image sparked poignant memories for Ms. Oli, reflecting on her father’s lasting legacy.
Luke Oli, Ms. Oli’s father, was a passionate schoolteacher throughout the late 1900s during a time when the Melanesian community in Fiji faced significant colonial injustices. He dedicated his life to the education of youth, teaching at St Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and St John’s College, which was specifically established for Melanesian students.
The family experienced multiple relocations before finally settling in Suva. Ms. Oli remembers enduring discrimination due to her Solomon Islander heritage, particularly after moving to the city. Her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, encouraged her to attend Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls’ boarding institution. However, adapting to this new environment proved difficult.
“With my Solomon Islands heritage, I was often perceived as an outsider,” she shared. “At times, I faced discrimination from certain groups, which was hurtful, but I had to cope with it. We were frequently seen as different from the iTaukei community.”
Despite these challenges, Ms. Oli speaks fondly of her father’s unwavering belief in the power of education as a pathway to a better future. “Seeing my father’s image filled me with hope and a sense of restoration,” she expressed. “Even though he is no longer with us, his values and teachings continue to shape who I am. I’m grateful for the profound lessons he imparted to me and my siblings.”
During this commemorative celebration, she felt a powerful connection to her heritage, stating, “As we honor the arrival of the Melanesian community, I felt a renewed sense of belonging.”
The last group of Solomon Islanders arrived in Fiji in 1911. While most returned home after their three-year contracts, some chose to remain and establish communities, particularly in places like Levuka and Suva. By the 1880s, these communities were beginning to form in the backdrop of other groups like Indian indentured laborers, who were also integral to Fiji’s development.
Unlike in Australia, where many Solomon Islander communities faced deportation, those in Fiji managed to stay, although they encountered marginalization. Many remained on the periphery of society without secure land tenure, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and integration.
Today, the legacy of these ancestors continues through their descendants, such as Ms. Oli, who honor their resilience and the significant impact they have made on Fiji’s history.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse heritages in Fiji, underscoring how personal histories are intertwined with broader social narratives, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and unity within the community.
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