The original owners of Australia are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, however for over 150 years, this was not acknowledged.
Following the colonisation of Australia, many rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' were completely disregarded and had been neglected up unto the mid 1950s, where the discrimination was addressed and protested against. There have been numerous events within the last 200 years which have dramatically changed Australia's outlook on the Indeginous owners of the land.
For better, or for worse, our country's history must be known, taught and never forgotten. It is important for our nation to be aware of the prejudice which the BTSI community had endured. In order to truly make a difference, we must strive to reconcile, to progress and to recognise the original owners of the land.
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ABOUT
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EVENTS
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TIMELIME
1900
Jimmy Governor, a half Aboriginal man kills 10 people. He was hanged in 1901.
Federation; the Commonwealth excludes Aboriginal people from being citizens
1901
1903
Aboriginal woman Fanny Cochrane Smith from Tasmania is recorded singing in her native tongue, the first and only recording of Tasmania’s Aboriginal language.
1920
Aboriginal population is estimated to be at its lowest at 60,000 - 70,000. It is widely believed to be a ‘dying race’. Most Australians have no contact with Aboriginal people due to segregation and social conventions.
1934
Under the Aborigines Act, Aboriginal people can apply to ‘cease being Aboriginal’ and have access to the same rights as ‘whites’.
Assimilation Policy
1937
1938
Indigenous Australians proclaim the 150th anniversary of settlement a “day of Mourning”.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivers a general national apology to the Stolen Generations.
2008
In the Mabo case, the High Court recognises Indigenous ownership of the land for the first time.
1992
Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
1988
Federal Racial Discrimination Act comes onto operation.
1975
Referendum to count Aboriginal people in the census and to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for them.
1967
Indigenous workers walk off Vestey’s cattle station at Wave Hill, demanding better pay and conditions.
1966
Federal legislation allows Aboriginal peoples to vote in federal election under certain conditions.
