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initial invasion and colonisation
The initial invasion and colonization of Australia started in 1788 when the British arrived and claimed the land for themselves, ignoring the Indigenous peoples who had lived there for thousands of years.
The British claimed Australia by saying no one owned it ("terra nullius"). -
segregation
During 1900-1960, Indigenous Australians were forced to live apart from white Australians. They survived on reserves, christian missions, outback farms as labourters. They were under the authority of protecters who restricted their movement. They were abused and taken advantage of -
The Freedom Rides
Inspired by the American Civil Rights Movement, Charles Perkins led a group of university students on a bus tour through rural New South Wales to draw attention to the segregation and discrimination faced by Aboriginal people. -
integration self-determination and self-management
Integration involved forcing Indigenous peoples to adapt to the dominant culture, leading to loss of their own. Self-determination and self-management gave Indigenous communities control over their affairs, helping preserve their culture and identity. -
The 1967 Referendum
A referendum was held to decide whether Indigenous Australians should be included in the national census and whether the Australian government should have the power to make laws for Indigenous peoples. Over 90% of Australians voted 'yes,' leading to changes in the Australian Constitution. -
The Noonkanbah Dispute
Traditional owners of Noonkanbah in Western Australia protested against mining on their land, leading to a significant standoff with police and the government. This event highlighted Indigenous resistance to unwanted development on their land. -
The Mabo Decision
The High Court of Australia ruled in the case of Mabo v Queensland (No 2) that the legal doctrine of terra nullius should not have been applied to Australia and recognized native title, acknowledging Indigenous land rights based on traditional laws and customs. -
The Bringing Them Home Report
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission released this report, documenting the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and advocating for reparations and a national apology. -
The Apology to the Stolen Generations
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal apology to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by past government policies of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families. -
The Uluru Statement from the Heart
Indigenous leaders presented the Uluru Statement, calling for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice and a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of agreement-making and truth-telling between governments and Indigenous peoples.