Eddie Koiki Mabo (born Edward Koiki Sambo on June 29, 1936, and died January 21, 1992) was an Indigenous Australian man from the Torres Strait Islands, most notably from the island of Mer (Murray Island). He is best known for his pivotal role in campaigning for Indigenous land rights in Australia. Mabo challenged the Australian legal doctrine of terra nullius, which falsely claimed that the land was owned by no one prior to British colonization. His case, known as Mabo v Queensland (No 2), resulted in a landmark 1992 High Court decision recognizing that Indigenous peoples' rights to land had continued after British sovereignty, leading to the Native Title Act of 1993, which legally recognized native title rights in Australia. Eddie Mabo was born into Torres Strait Islander culture and raised in accordance with its traditions after his mother died shortly after his birth. He was heavily influenced by education and mainland Australian culture but remained deeply connected to his Indigenous heritage. Mabo worked in various jobs including as a gardener at James Cook University, where he also engaged with students and academics. His activism and leadership extended beyond the court case, including significant roles in Indigenous rights advocacy and community leadership. He married Bonita Neehow, with whom he had a large family. Though he died of cancer shortly before the High Court ruling was delivered, his legacy remains deeply impactful on Indigenous land rights and Australian legal history. Mabo is celebrated annually on Mabo Day in June to honor his contributions.