Aboriginal Rights Timeline

First Fleet

Jan 21, 1788

First Fleet arrives in Botany Bay. New South Wales is established by the British Government.

Removal of Children

Jan 1, 1905

Removal of Indigenous Children without court orders begins

Assimilation

Jan 1, 1937

Assimilation in Australia of Indigenous people becomes a national policy

Day of Mourning

Jan 26, 1938

The 150th anniversary of the First Fleet

Aboriginal Laws

Jan 1, 1967

There is support for change to allow for laws to be made for Aboriginals to be included in the census.

Land Rights for Aboriginals

Aug 16, 1975

Whitlam Government gives back 3,3000 square kilometres of land back to the Gurindji people (this is the beginning of land rights for Aboriginals).

Stolen Generations reunited

Jan 1, 1983

Organisation link-up is created to help separated members of the Stolen Generations to reunite.

Bringing Them Home Report

May 26, 1997

The Bringing Them Home Report is tabled in Parliament and includes testimonies of members of the Stolen Generations.

Howard

Jan 1, 1998

John Howard (Government) displays a 'deep and sincere regret' for the Stolen Generations but chooses not to say sorry.

National Sorry Day

May 26, 1998

The National Sorry Day is held.

Reconciliation Walks

May 28, 2000

Large numbers of people walk for reconciliation across Australia.

Apology

Feb 13, 2008

Kevin Rudd makes an apology towards the Indigenous Community on behalf of Australia and its past Governments.