Eddie Mabo

Eddie Mabo

Eddie Koiki Mabo (c. 29 June 1936 – 21 January 1992) was an Australian man from the Torres Strait Islands known for his role in campaigning for Indigenous land rights and for his role in a landmark decision of the High Court of Australia which overturned the legal doctrine of terra nullius ("land belonging to nothing, no one") which characterised Australian law with regards to land and title.

Mabo was named "Eddie Koiki Sambo" but he changed his surname to "Mabo" when he was adopted by his maternal uncle, Benny Mabo. He was born on Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea.