20^th Anniversary of the Mabo Oration in Gimuy (Cairns) celebrates Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy

“It is an honour to present the Mabo Oration this year, the 20^th Anniversary of celebrating Eddie (Koiki) Mabo’s legacy."

“Uncle Koiki knew so well in his heart that our rights may not always be reflected in the laws and policies of our Country, but we know what they are, they are there all the same, and they are always worth fighting for."

“As Social Justice Commissioner, I walk in the footprints of our ancestors. I am tasked with moving us forward in recognising our rights as First Nations peoples. These include Truth. Voice. Treaty; effective protection against racism; domestic protection of our rights; support for our cultural practices; and self-determination.

“All of these rights make us stronger. All of these rights enable us to rebuild our villages to thrive as the proud Peoples, we know we are. I encourage everyone to join us as we continue in Mabo’s legacy the long journey to recognition of our rights.” 

“For the people of Zenadth Kes and Torres Strait Islanders, Mabo Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that our laws, traditions, languages, stories, and practices form the very foundation of our rights and our identity." 

“Koiki’s life was a testament to the power of conviction and the triumph of the human spirit. As we reflect on his life and legacy, may we be reminded of our own capacity for change and our responsibility to strive for a better world.” 

 “It is an honour to support the 20th anniversary of the Mabo Oration, a significant historical event to celebrate the legacy of Eddie Mabo, a great Australian and Meriam leader."

"From our first orator, Mr Noel Pearson, in 2005, to today’s Orator, Ms Katie Kiss, the Mabo Oration has provided a platform for First Nations thought leaders to reflect on Eddie Mabo’s powerful legacy to uphold the human rights of First Nations peoples."

“It is an ongoing priority for us to support and progress self-determination for First Nations peoples living in Queensland. The Mabo Oration is one way we reflect our organisation’s priority to deepen its relationship with First Nations peoples, through prioritising the voices of First Nations peoples.” 

“This year we celebrate 20 years of partnership with the Queensland Human Rights Commission to present the biennial Mabo Oration. It is a privilege to once again co-present this signature event, and we are thrilled to be doing so in Cairns." 

“The fight Eddie (Koiki) Mabo and a team of white lawyers undertook to overturn White Australia’s self-serving notion of Terra Nullius was heroic, but, in his mind, there was no contest. Mabo never doubted for a second that ‘Murray Island’ in the Torres Strait was in fact Mer, his birthright." 

"As Noel Pearson remarked in the inaugural Mabo Oration in 2005, Mabo was and is our ‘cornerstone for reconciliation’ – not only a legal doctrine governing land but also the principles of social justice, self-determination, and equality.”