Mabo

In 1992, terra nullius was abolished in Australia, which can be accredited to the campaign of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo. In the feature film, Mabo, both Koiki’s positive and negative qualities are revealed throughout his emotional and political journey for Indigenous land rights. While not always recognised, Koiki possesses admirable character that is displayed in his family life, pursuit for justice, prior achievements and in court, which is inspired by his heroes.

Koiki does not always act as an ideal father figure or husband, but this is at the cost of being a hero for Indigenous Australians. When Koiki comes home with news of his idea to “tak[e] the government to court,” enthusiasm and amazement is evident on his family’s face, demonstrating their pride in his passion and determination. When Koiki appears on television, the same pride appears through the exclamations of his family: “It’s Dad!” However, balancing family life and the fight for Indigenous rights is not “an easy path” for Koiki. His wife, Bonita, expresses frustration at her husband for lacking to consistently provide financially for the family during the court case. Koiki’s “road” of activism directly affects his family relationships negatively when he abuses Bonita to receive “a bit of respect,” after being verbally and

emotionally attacked in court. Towards the end of his life, Koiki expresses that he wishes he had “spent more time at home with the kids when they were growing up” and helped Bonita more, demonstrating the recognition of his shortfalls. Koiki is imperfect, but his family forgives his neglect and outbursts; admiring him for pursuing his passion.

Koiki is not consistently seen as an admirable man by the Murray Islanders or the people in court, however he demonstrates bravery to fight for his people and their land. In his “original statement” for his claim, Koiki portrays himself as a hero who is looked to “for social, political and legal advice” by the council; a man whose “arrival on the island rejuvenates hope among the people.” However, the Murray Island council sees the case to be “troublemaking” and “agitating” that jeopardises their chances of getting a “decent deal with Paddy Killoran.” Both the Merium people and Justice Moynihan do not respect Koiki’s claim to be “the Aiet of the Zogole” and perceive him to be “selfish and greedy” for claiming too many plots of land. Koiki realises that “not everybody believes [he is a hero] at all” but continues to seek justice- not only for himself, but for “all the blackfellas.” Choosing to “proceed into the High Court,” and abolish terra nullius in Australia, amidst experiencing feelings of betrayal from his people, makes Koiki a hero to his family, his coworkers and the wider nation of Australia.

Before becoming a political activist, Koiki’s heroics are evident through his efforts for “black causes.” Koiki’s “interest in Indigenous issues” manifests itself in his life through “talking in the Union,” becoming the chairman of the “Indigenous Housing Co-Op” and being the headmaster of the “Black Community School.” Davy Mabo, Koiki’s cousin, expresses his jealousy of Koiki’s intelligence and boldness and tells Koiki that everyone on the railway thinks that he is “the one.” Koiki does not allow anyone to silence him, which acts to differentiate himself from other people.

Koiki’s bravery is illustrated through his endeavours and because of this, many around him view him as a

hero.
Koiki is inspired by Benny and Bonita to improve himself. At a young age, the rules of Malo are instilled in Koiki through his adopted father, Benny and these morals remain with him throughout his life. Koiki is often inundated with flashbacks of moments with Benny and his words that “young men go to the mainland” and “forget everything.” This sparks determination in Koiki to stay true to himself and his culture, motivating him to strive for fairness and land rights. Bonita is “the most important person in [Koiki’s] life” whose support and inner strength “over the many hardships and hurdles” they face is crucial to Koiki’s journey for equality. Koiki’s heroes and their input in his life contributes to Koiki’s own heroic character.

Koiki Mabo, while criticised by some, is also admired and loved by many. His positive qualities can be attributed to the people around him that act as the heroes in his life. Koiki Mabo’s faults, bravery, determination and passion for justice portrays him as being both a flawed and heroic individual.