Solomon Islands descendant reunites with father's memory

Kelera Oli, a proud descendant of Solomon Islanders, was overcome with emotion on Thursday when she encountered a photograph of her late father at a National Archives booth in Suva.

This was part of the two-day commemoration marking the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Melanesian labourers in Fiji. Seeing the image stirred powerful memories for Ms Oli, reminding her of her father's enduring legacy.

Her father, Luke Oli, was a dedicated schoolteacher during the late 1900s, a period still marred by the colonial injustices experienced by Fiji's Melanesian community. Luke Oli devoted his career to educating the youth at St Paul's Primary School in Naviavia, Wailevu West Cakaudrove, and St John's College, a school specifically founded for the Melanesian community.

The family's journey saw them frequently relocating, eventually settling in Suva. Ms Oli recalls facing discrimination in her youth, particularly from those who viewed her Solomon Islander heritage as "other." When her family moved to Suva, her fatheran alumnus of Queen Victoria School-chose to send her to Adi

Cakobau School, an all-girls' boarding school. Fitting into the new environment, however, was challenging.

"With my Solomon Islands heritage, I was often seen as an outsider," Ms Oli shared.

"There were times I faced discrimination from certain groups, which could be hurtful, but I had to cope with it. We were often classified as different from the iTaukei community."

Despite these setbacks, Ms Oli reflects warmly on her father's emphasis on education as a key to their future.

"Seeing my father's image brought back hope and a sense of restoration," she said.

"Although he's no longer with us, his values and teachings shaped who I am today. I'm in awe of the great things he taught me and my siblings."

She was surprised by the strong connection she felt to her heritage during this 160th-anniversary event. "As we commemorate the Melanesian community's arrival, I felt a renewed sense of belonging."

Legacy of Solomon Islanders in Fiji

The last group of Solomon Islanders arrived in Fiji in 1911. While many returned to their homeland after their standard three-year contracts, others remained and established communities, especially in places like Levuka and Suva.

By the 1880s, these communities had begun forming, even as other groups, such as Indian indentured labourers, were ending their contracts and leasing land from the Colonial Sugar Refining Co.

Unlike in Australia, where Solomon Islander communities were largely deported, those in Fiji were able to stay, though they faced marginalisation.

Many Melanesians remained on society's fringes without secure land tenure, contributing to their ongoing struggle for recognition and integration.

This legacy lives on, with descendants like Ms Oli honouring their resilience and the indelible mark their ancestors left on Fiji.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj