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Eddie Koiki Mabo
He was an activist in the 1967 Referendum. -
Aborigines Progressive Association Launched
Launched by William Ferguson -
Day of Mourning Conference
Held at Australian Hall. Restricted to Aboriginal People only -
Protest movement spread
It had growing support in both sections of society -
1967 Referendum
Included Aboriginal people to be included as part of Australia's population -
Battle for Justice and Political Status
He wasn't allowed to visit his father in Mer. They said Eddie was a non-Islander, because he hadn't lived there for so long. They thought he was too political and would stir up trouble.” – Gail Mabo, Eddie Mabo’s daughter -
Black Community School
It was regarded with open hostility within the community. The State Minister for Education denounced the motives of the student’s parents stating their attitudes as racist and the school as ‘apartheid in reverse.’ -
Speech at James Cook University
Eddie gave a speech about the land ownership that his community followed on Mer Island. A case was put up to claim land rights. -
Legal Claim Begins
The case became known as the 'Mabo Case' -
Eddie Mabo's Death
Unfortunately, Eddie Koiki Mabo did not live to see his aim and passion come to life -
Case was won
The High Court decided in favour of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his plaintiffs. They introduced the policy of 'native title' into the Australian Law. The Court held that 'native title' was for all Indigenous people in Australia. The Court held that these rights will be under the protection of the Australian Law until they are legally extinguished. -
Native Title Act 1993
It opened the way for further claims of traditional rights to land and compensation.