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Celebrate or mourn
1938, Australian day, a meeting was put together. A document called 'Aborigines Claim Citizen Rights' was spread around, making it the first ever national protest made. Numerous white Australians took notice as it was made widely known through paper reports. -
More visible during the war
Awareness towards the second-class status to Indigenous Australians grew, resulting in World War II. Numerous Aboriginals participated, serving in the armed forces or moving to work in wartime industries. Many white Australians later joined as they felt inspired from the Aboriginals joining, fighting and dying for their country, they thought it would be fair. -
During World War II (own)
In 1939, the Aboriginals were unfairly excluded from this due to their race and the policies against them. 1941, they were allowed to join as non-combat roles due to the major shortage of personnel. 1942, they helps majorly as a defence role against the Japanese invasion, also as scouts and guides. 1945, World War II ended with their contributions not being accounted for, not being able to receive the same rewards and benefits as non-Indigenous veterans. -
Stealing people: the lost generation
A kidnapping of 15 Aboriginal girls, along with a seven-year-old named Lorna Cubillo had taken place, happening by the officials. Taken to a church-run foster home, Lorna was sexually abused and never saw her mother again. One of the 100,000 Aboriginal children who were taken and put in foster homes/missions by whites. The plan was to cut them off their culture, assimilate them into white society, provide cheap labour for whites, and possibly breed their culture out, becoming slaves (1910-1960). -
Changing attitudes and better treatment
Attitudes towards the first Australians started a change after World War II. In the 1950s, they were allowed to enrol for voting, drink in hotels and travel without restrictions. by early 1960s, adults received pension +maternity benefits, however, it didn't get better in pay, voting, access to facilities, control of children and land rights. -
Indigenous Australians take the initiative
1965, Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins made a protest about discrimination in places. 1966, 200 workers walked off demanding better pay and conditions, plus traditional lands back, later gaining ownership in 1985. 1967, a 90% yes vote gave them voting rights. 1972, Bobby Sykes: blacks got up and fought back. 1974, government recommended the Aboriginals get back their land. 1975, Northern Territory law gave Indigenous people some arid areas and useless land, other claims were thrown out. -
Lost land, stolen children
In the 18th century, Britain claimed Australian lands assuming their unowned. Eddie Mabo led Torres Strait Islanders to challenge it. Their people were the rightful owners, having Murray Islands for thousands of years. 1992, the High Court agreed saying terra nullius was racist. The 1993 Native Title Act allowed the Indigenous Australians land rights. -
1994 Commonwealth Games
Indigenous leaders gain greater respect. 2000 marches show all races want the first people to have a better deal. Some are national heroes, especially the great pride obtained when Cathy Freeman lit the Sydney Olympics torch, winning the 400 metres. Still needing many problems to solve, however, they're getting through it with hope. -
Putting things right?
250,000-400,000 people marched in December at both Sydney Harbour Bridge and Melbourne, carrying signs and banners spreading a sorry towards the Indigenous Australians for their past wrongs, doing it in opposed to the Prime Minister. They said sorry for the past treatment, and promised to provide fair deals over lands and give more status towards their culture, also promising an improvement towards their living standards. -
A long way to go
Early 21st century, Indigenous people were in a culture trap between their past and modern life. Although now owning some land, they're mostly useless. The Aboriginal population growing rapidly, the government needing to help them adapt to modern life. Charles Perkins: a lot of Aborigine are still living poorly and the same. -
Situation report: Indigenous Australians in 2001
2001 report: can now vote, be included in the population count and have human rights. However, they still have troubling living conditions and life quality. Stats: Life: men 56 (77), women 63 (82), unemployment 22.7% (9.2%), average weekly income: $A190 (292), house owning: 30.8% (70%), tertiary qualifications: 13.6% (34.4%) and 19-yr-olds in education: 12% (36%). -
Hope for the future?
Australia needs to overcome many challanges to restore Indiggenous Australians. They can give fair land deals, provide compensation for their wronging, apologise officially, recognise their many sacrifices to defend their country, provide more help to the talented, provide education, and sign a treaty like the Treaty of Waitangi. -
Aftermath: how are they treated today? (own)
Now, their treatment has improved, gaining legal rights such as land ownership, citizenship, being included in population statistics, and a formal apology from the prime minister. They also get fair education and employment, that is still under some improvement. They get culture recognition and provided healthcare, but is still undergoing racial problems in areas relating socially. They request for a re-evaluation on things, along with a treaty to make it better.