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Traces of knowledge of Australia's Existence
Even before the arrival of the English, there were traces of knowledge of Australia's existence from the European World. For example, on the Dutch ship, sailors recorded sighting of the Australian mainland. -
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Peaceful Aboriginies
Aborigines were able to live peacefully in their own way of life in this time period. This lasted for about 100 years including the first few years of British coming to Australia. -
Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook landed in Botany Bay and declared Australia 'terra nullius' meaning 'empty land'. He claimed this new land for the Crown (King George III). -
First Fleet in Botany Bay
The arrival of the First Fleet brought an end to Aboriginal peace and the beginning of land loss, disease and destruction of the traditional Aboriginal way of life. The concept of 'terra nulius' or 'empty land' confirmed by whites and labelled 'The Big Lie' by Aboriginies. -
Federation of Australia
By the time of Federation, there was still little recognition for Aboriginals. In fact, the Aboriginies were not counted as citizens in the census but as flora and fauna. -
Australian Second Dispossession
Aboriginies were able to gain some land but this was later reduced by half with Aboriginies forcefully taken off the lands by police. The stripping away of these lands is recognised as the Second Dispossession, and resulted from settlements by invasion, white envy and Soldier Resettlement Schemesafter World War I. -
Aboriginal Resistance
Multiple acts of Aboriginal resistance was taken in this period.
This included the Yirrakala Bark Petition: Documents from the Yolngu people of Yirrakala regarding Indigenous laws of land.
As well as, the Freedom Ride: A bus tour of western and coastal NSW towns that taught people about the Aboriginies and how to help against discrimination.
Lastly, the Gurindji Walk Off: This was about Aboriginies walking off the job because of poor work conditions and disrespectful treatment. -
Referendum
The Referendum finally allowed for Aboriginies to be included in the Australian census as people rather than flora and fauna. -
Aboriginal Tent Embassy
Four young men ereted a beach umbrella on the lawns outside of Parliament House in Canberra and put up a sign saying 'Aboriginal Embassy'. Over a few months suporters swelled to 2000. Their embassy was a tent - a well understood image of poverty and impermanence. Their campaign attracted support from across the country that recognised their grief. -
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The Mabo Case
Eddie Mabo and four other Meriam people of the Murray Islands in the Torres Strait took action in the High Court of Australia seeking confirmation of their traditional land rights. The case was heard for ten years through both the High Court and Queensland Supreme Court. During this time Eddie Mabo died.
