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Born
Eddie mabo was born on Mer (Murray) Island in the Torres Strait. His mother died soon after giving birth and his father deemed himself unable to properly raise his son, giving him to his brother (Koiki’s Uncle), and so changed his last name to Mabo -
Mabo was caught drinking alcohol
The Murray Island court found Mabo guilty of drinking alcohol and he was exiled for one year . -
Married
Married Queensland-born, Ernestine Bonita ‘Netta’ Nehow, south Sea islander, at the Methodist Church in Ingham. -
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Contibuted to her social services
He engaged in politics, community service, Indigenous rights and services, and public events. -
Referendum
He was an activist in the 1967 Referendum campaign. -
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Employed and researced history
Eddie was employed as a gardener at James Cook University and formed friendships with the people who worked there. There he researched non-indigenous views of his people, land and culture at the library. -
Eddie was told that his people’s traditional ownership of Murray island was not recognised by Australian law.
Eddie was told that his people’s traditional ownership of Murray island was not recognised by Australian law. -
Land ownership speech
Eddie Mabo made a speech at James Cook University in Queensland, where he explained his people’s beliefs about the ownership and inheritance of land on Mer. A lawyer heard the speech and asked Eddie if he would like to challenge the Australian Government in the court system, to decide who the true owner of land on Mer was—his people or the Australian Government. -
Diagnosed with Cancer
Eddie Koiki Mabo was diagnosed with cancer in his spine -
Died
He died due to cancer at the age of 55. He did not live long enough to see his push for aboriginal land rights go through. He was buried at the Townsville Cemetery. -
Re-buried
Mabo’s remains were reburied on Murray island, Las