Thirty-four years after the Mabo decision changed Australian legal history, Meriam Traditional Owners have announced plans to pursue a new community-led governance model grounded in culture, traditional authority and self-determination.

The announcement was made on Mabo Day, as communities across Australia marked the legacy of Eddie Koiki Mabo and the five plaintiffs whose High Court victory overturned terra nullius and secured recognition of Native Title.

Traditional Owners of Mer, Dauar and Waier Islands will begin a community-driven process to explore how decision-making on Mer can be strengthened through governance arrangements that reflect Meriam values, Island Custom and traditional leadership systems.

The proposed cultural governance structure, known as Ait Ira Per, has emerged from ongoing community discussions about strengthening local decision-making, cultural authority and self-determination.

Ait Ira Per Steering Committee spokesperson, Aven S. Noah, said the initiative was a continuation of the work carried by Eddie Koiki Mabo, Bishop Dave Passi, James Rice, Deacon Sam Passi, Mapo Salee and Henry Kabere.

Mr Noah said the next step was about carrying that legacy forward.

"Today we honour the courage and vision of Eddie Koiki Mabo, Bishop Dave Passi, James Rice, Deacon Sam Passi, Mapo Salee and Henry Kabere, whose determination changed the course of Australian history," he said.

"Thirty-four years ago our Elders fought for recognition of our connection to land and sea Country. Today we honour that legacy by exploring how governance can better reflect Meriam culture, values and leadership.

"The Mabo Decision recognised our connection to land. The next challenge is ensuring our governance structures reflect who we are as Meriam people and support our aspirations for future generations."

The Steering Committee will now begin consultations with Elders, families, legal advisers, Meriam people living on and off Island, and relevant stakeholders.

The process will examine governance options that strengthen local decision-making, support cultural continuity and maintain connection to Meriam identity, land and sea Country for future generations.

Any future governance model will be shaped by the Meriam community through planning and consultation.

Mr Noah said the work was about strengthening the community's role in decisions affecting Mer, its people and its future.

"This journey belongs to the Meriam people. We want to bring our community together, listen carefully and create a model that honours our ancestors while providing a strong foundation for generations to come," he said.

"For too long, important decisions affecting our community have often been shaped by systems designed elsewhere.

"We believe we, the Meriam people should have a stronger voice in decisions that affect our land, our sea, our culture and our future."

The announcement comes as Mabo Day continues to mark one of Australia's most significant legal and social justice victories.

Mr Noah said the legacy extended beyond the recognition of Native Title.

"The Mabo legacy was never just about land," Mr Noah said. "It was about our inherent right to determine our own future."