Events - Aboriginal Rights and Freedoms: History Term 2

Right to Self-Determination

An ongoing process of choice for Indigenous communities to meet their social, cultural, and economic needs.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself, which in Australia rests in the Crown and Parliament.

1967 Referendum

A major civil rights victory on May 27, 1967, allowing Aboriginal people to be counted in the census and enabling federal laws for them. Significant figure: Prime Minister Harold Holt. Outcome: Increased recognition and federal responsibility.

Wave Hill Walk-Off

A protest by the Gurindji people starting in August 1966 at Wave Hill Station, led by Vincent Lingiari, for unfair wages and land rights, leading to symbolic land return in 1975 by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.

Mabo v Queensland (1992)

The High Court case on June 3, 1992, that overturned terra nullius and recognized Native Title for Aboriginal people. Significant figures: Eddie Mabo. Outcome: Recognition of Aboriginal land rights.

Freedom Rides (1965)

A movement led by Charles Perkins in February 1965 exposing racism and segregation against Aboriginal people in public spaces in NSW. Outcome: Raised awareness and pushed for legislative changes.

Assimilation Policy

A government policy expecting Aboriginal people to adopt white customs, leading to the Stolen Generations.

Bringing Them Home Report (1997)

A report released in April 1997 investigating the Stolen Generations, highlighting trauma and calls for apology. Outcome: National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.

Racial Discrimination Act (1975)

Legislation passed in 1975 that legally protects Aboriginal Australians from unequal treatment based on race.

National Sorry Day

Observed on May 26 each year to remember the trauma of the Stolen Generations.

Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017)

A call for Voice, Treaty, Truth from Aboriginal people, presented on May 26, 2017, emphasizing the need for justice.

Wik Peoples v Queensland (1996)

High Court ruling on December 23, 1996, that Native Title can coexist with pastoral leases unless in conflict.

Myall Creek Massacre (1838)

A violent event on June 10, 1838, representing frontier conflicts between British colonizers and Aboriginal groups. Outcome: rare instance of conviction of white settlers for violence against Aboriginal people.

Crown Lands

Public lands in Australia claimed by the British Monarch and regulated by State government legislation.

Native Title Act (1993)

Legislation that outlines how Native Title claims can be made by Aboriginal peoples, enacted on December 21, 1993.

Stolen Generations

Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families to be raised in white institutions.

Genocide

Acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, including forced removals.

Reconciliation Australia

An organization running programs like Reconciliation Action Plans to close the gap and acknowledge Aboriginal history.