Timeline: Indigenous Rights Movement

Jan 26, 1938

Day of Mourning

Day of Mourning held by the Aborigines League (est 1932) and the Aborigines Progressive Association. It is the first major protest by Indigenous people. The manifesto "Aborigines Claim Citizen Rights" and the newspaper "Abo Call" are published.

1962

Vote in Commonwealth elections

All indigenous people are given the vote in Commonwealth elections

May 27, 1967

Referendum held

90.7% of Australians vote YES to count Indigenous Australians in the census and to give the Commonwealth Government the power to make laws for them.

Jan 26, 1972

Tent Embassy is established

Tent Embassy is established outside Parliament House. It adops the Indigenous flag.

Aug 16, 1975

Title back to Gurindji people

Whitlam hands back title to the Gurindji people. Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (cth) passed.

Dec 16, 1976

Land Rights Act is introduced

Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT)

1983

Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983

Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) recognises dispossession and displacement.

Oct 26, 1985

Uluru back to their traditional owners

Uluru is handed back to traditional owners.

Jun 3, 1992

Mabo Decision

Mabo decision by the High Court overturns terra nullies and rules that native title exists over unalienated Crown land, national parks and reserves.

Sep 30, 1993

Native Title Act

Native Title Act is introduced

Dec 23, 1996

Howard Government

Howard Government elected. The High Court rules in the Wik decision that native title and pastoral leases can co-exist.

May 26, 1997

Bringing them Home

Bringing Them Home, the report of the inquiry into the Stolen Generations , is released. It recommends a national sorry day to commemorate the history and effects of removing children from their families.