Introduction Throughout Australian history, there have been men and women who have fought for the rights of indigenous people. The most respected and recognized of these is Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander. Mabo defended the rights of his people from an early age until his death, in order to generate changes in government policies and laws. Mabo fought for his right to own the land he inherited from his adoptive father, a fight that was only resolved after his death. Despite this, Eddie Mabo became one of the key influential figures in the Aboriginal rights movement, as his strong will, determination and intelligence allowed him to bring about change. Early life Mabo was born on 25 July 1936 in the Lao village on Murray Island. However, soon after his birth, his mother died. Because of this, Eddie's father gave him away to his brother and Eddie's uncle, Benny Mabo. From birth Eddie learned the traditions and customs of the natives from the elders and his family, while at the same time he learned to read and write from a teacher at the island school, Robert Miles. However, due to the situation in the country at the time, no islander would have to pass primary school. His life was very simple and rudimentary, he spent most of his time learning to fish, grow plants and sing the songs of his culture. At the age of 16, Eddie learned to speak English and began to question the way the system was run and asked why his people were treated that way. However, he became infatuated with a young island girl, who at the time, unless permission was given, was outlawed by the Queensland government. For this reason Mabo was exiled from the island and sent to the mainland. He settled in Cairns and worked at various jobs, until he met his future wife, Bonita, while working on the railways in 1958. They married on 10 October a year later, and it was around this time that Mabo began to take an interest in politics, and fought for rights. Family life Mabo was raised by his uncle since birth, due to the death of his mother. He lived a simple existence with his family, tending the land and learning the traditions of his people, until his exile from the island.