Melbourne, Australia – In the world of Australian politics, Lidia Thorpe is a name that has made headlines for her trailblazing career. Serving as the first Aboriginal senator from Victoria, her journey has been marked by activism and a dedication to indigenous rights. However, behind this remarkable figure is another extraordinary individual: her sister, Meriki Onus.
Meriki Onus is an activist and a driving force in the Australian Aboriginal Sovereignty movement. Her sister, Lidia Thorpe, may be the well-known political figure, but Meriki has been making her mark in the realm of indigenous rights and activism for years.
Born into a family deeply committed to the cause, Meriki and Lidia have a rich heritage. Their grandmother, Alma Thorpe, was one of the founders of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, and their mother, Marjorie Thorpe, played a pivotal role in the Stolen Generations inquiry, which produced the “Bringing Them Home” report in the 1990s. The Thorpe family has a legacy of activism that spans generations.
Meriki Onus co-founded the Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) collective, a group that has been at the forefront of the Australian Aboriginal Sovereignty movement. This movement seeks to address the historical injustices faced by indigenous Australians and advocates for self-determination and recognition of sovereignty.
Meriki’s involvement in activism is not limited to organized groups; she has also been a vocal advocate for indigenous rights in various capacities. Her commitment to the Pay the Rent campaign, which calls on non-Aboriginal Australians to voluntarily pay reparations, demonstrates her unwavering dedication to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization.
Despite being in the shadow of her sister’s political career, Meriki Onus has carved out her own path as a passionate advocate for indigenous rights and social justice. Her activism resonates with those who believe in the importance of acknowledging and rectifying the historical injustices faced by Australia’s First Nations people.
As Lidia Thorpe continues to make her mark in the political arena, her sister Meriki Onus remains a powerful force in the world of activism, working tirelessly to bring about change and recognition for indigenous Australians. Together, they represent a family legacy of resilience and determination in the pursuit of justice for Australia’s First Nations people.