Aboriginal Timeline

  • The First Fleet Arrives

    The First Fleet Arrives
  • The Commonwealth of Australia is formed

    The Commonwealth of Australia is formed
  • Citizenship is given to all

    Citizenship is given to all
    Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for the first time.
  • Indigenous Australians given the right to vote

    Indigenous Australians given the right to vote
  • Racial Discrimination Act is passed

    Racial Discrimination Act is passed
    The Racial Discrimination Act is passed through Australian Parliament
  • 1967 Referendum

    1967 Referendum
    Majority of Australians vote 'yes' in a referendum to give the Australian government the power to make laws for Indigenous peoples.
  • First Aboriginal barrister

    First Aboriginal barrister
    Patricia O'Shane becomes Australia's first Aborignal barrister
  • Aboriginal land rights campaign

    Aboriginal land rights campaign
    Campaigning for the recognition of Aboriginal land rights
  • Department of Aboriginal Affairs

    Department of Aboriginal Affairs
    The Australian Government establishes the Department of Aboriginal Affairs
  • Uluru Traditional Owners

    Uluru Traditional Owners
    Uluru is handed back to its traditional owners
  • The Barunga Statement

    The Barunga Statement
    Bob Hawke receives The Barunga Statement, calling for Aboriginal and Torres Starit Islander peoples.
  • Royal Commision Into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

    Royal Commision Into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
    the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody presents report of 99 indeginous Australian deaths in jails
  • The Mabo decision

    The Mabo decision
    The Mabo decision is handed down by the High Court
  • Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation

    Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation
    the Council holds its first meeting in Canberra
  • National Week of Prayer for Reconsiliation

    National Week of Prayer for Reconsiliation
    The first National Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is supported by Australia's major faith communities
  • Bringing them Home Report

    Bringing them Home Report
    Bringing Them Home Report on Australia's stolen generations is launched
  • Following week from National Week of Prayer for Reconciliaton

    Following week from National Week of Prayer for Reconciliaton
    the Council launches Australia's first National Reconciliation Week
  • National Sorry Day

    National Sorry Day
    Commemorated for the first time on 26 of May
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

    300,000 people walk across the bridge to support the reconciliation process
  • Stolen Generations Memorial

    Commonwealth government establishes memorial at Reconciliation Place in Canberra
  • Prime Minister Apology

    Kevin Rudd formerly apologies to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Australian Parliament
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

    Australia supports declaration after being one of four nations to oppose it