William Cooper and the Fight for Indigenous Rights

Flashcards covering key concepts and events related to William Cooper's advocacy for Indigenous rights.

Who was William Cooper?

A mobilising force in the early fight for Indigenous rights in Australia, known for his political lobbying.

What significant campaign did William Cooper undertake in the 1930s?

He launched a petition to King George V for the right to propose a Member of Parliament representing Aboriginal people.

How many signatures did Cooper gather for his petition?

1,814 signatures from around the country.

What was the outcome of Cooper's petition to King George V?

The Commonwealth Government refused to pass it due to a constitutional technicality.

What did Cooper establish in 1936?

The Australian Aborigines' League, the first advocacy organization with an entirely Aboriginal membership.

To raise awareness of the impact of colonization on the Indigenous population, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet.

What was the purpose of the 'Aboriginal Day of Mourning' held by Cooper?

How did Cooper's 'Aboriginal Day of Mourning' evolve over time?

It became National Aborigines Day or Aboriginal Sunday, first observed in 1940.

What did Cooper do in protest against Nazi Germany's treatment of European Jews?

He lodged a personal protest by walking to the German consulate in South Melbourne.

What important legacy did Cooper leave behind after his death in 1941?

He inspired a new generation of leaders in the fight for Aboriginal rights.

What notable impact did Cooper's league have on the Australian government in 1937?

They influenced the decision to hold a conference discussing the formation of a national policy on Aborigines.