Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, experienced a heartfelt moment on Thursday when she discovered 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 the arrival of Melanesian laborers in Fiji, evoking powerful memories and emotions for Ms. Oli as she reflected on her father’s lasting influence.
Her father, Luke Oli, was a devoted schoolteacher in the late 1900s, a time when the colonial injustices faced by Fiji’s Melanesian community were prevalent. He dedicated his career to teaching at St. Paul’s Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and at St. John’s College, a school established for the Melanesian community.
The Oli family frequently relocated throughout their journey before finally settling in Suva. Ms. Oli recalls the discrimination she faced as a child when her Solomon Islander heritage was seen as “other.” After moving to Suva, her father, an alumnus of Queen Victoria School, chose to enroll her in Adi Cakobau School, an all-girls’ boarding school, where adjusting to the new environment proved to be difficult.
“Because of my Solomon Islands heritage, I was often regarded as an outsider,” Ms. Oli noted. “I faced discrimination from certain groups, which was hurtful, but I managed to cope with it. We were often identified as different from the iTaukei community.”
Despite these challenges, Ms. Oli fondly reflects on her father’s strong belief in the power of education to shape a brighter future. “Seeing my father’s image brought back hope and a sense of restoration,” she said. “Although he is no longer with us, his values and lessons have profoundly influenced who I am today. I am grateful for the important life lessons he taught my siblings and me.”
During the 160th-anniversary event, Ms. Oli noted she felt a deeper connection to her heritage. “As we commemorate the arrival of the Melanesian community, I experienced a renewed sense of belonging.”
The arrival of the last group of Solomon Islanders in Fiji occurred in 1911. While many returned home after completing their three-year contracts, others chose to stay and establish communities, particularly in Levuka and Suva.
By the 1880s, these communities began to take shape, alongside other groups such as Indian indentured laborers, who were wrapping up their contracts and securing land from the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Unlike their counterparts in Australia, where Solomon Islander communities faced deportation, those in Fiji remained, though they dealt with marginalization.
Many Melanesians continued to live on the fringes of society without secure land rights, which has contributed to their ongoing struggle for recognition and integration. Nevertheless, descendants like Ms. Oli honor their resilience and the lasting legacy of their ancestors in Fiji.
This story illustrates the power of heritage and education in shaping individual identities and collective histories. It serves as a reminder of the strength within marginalized communities and their continued journey towards recognition and belonging in society.
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