
1 minute read
SA celebrates Mabo Day
everyday person” and did not realise he was going to end up the face of Native Title.
“I didn’t know there was going to end up being an Eddie Mabo day because to me he was just an ordinary guy,” Uncle Jack said.
“I knew him as an everyday person.”
Originally from Queensland, Uncle Jack moved to the South East around the 60s and worked on the Victoria railways.
He said he was happy people were recognising the work Mr Mabo did and that reconciliation was good for the future.
“I am happy people are starting to move forward and I remember when the police came to me with a piece of paper that said I was a free man,” Uncle Jack said.
“I hope we have a good future, we have had our time but everything changes when you grow older.” https://borderwatch.com.au/ news/2023/06/05/mabo-daycelebrated/ RIGHT: First Nations elder Uncle Jack Sailor celebrates Mabo Day with his great-great granddaughter Miley & his greatgranddaughter Kaitlyn Steed. island and most of our sea country.
When all claims have been resolved, it is expected that 60 per cent of Australia’s land will be covered by Native Title rights. That is almost two thirds of the continent.
Source: The Native Title Story of the Torres Strait Region, launched by GBK on 30 May.