1938 Day of Mourning

Question 1

When was the Day Of Mourning?

Answer 1

26th of January, 1938 - 150th Anniversary of day Captain Arthur Phillip planted the British flag to Port Jackson (Australia Day)

Question 2

What was the Day of Mourning?

Answer 2

Denied access to Sydney Town Hall, Indigenous activists and community members walked in silent protest to AUstralia Hall, via backdoor.
White population - day of celebrating
Indigenous Aus - Day of Mourning

Question 3

Who led the silent protest?

Answer 3

William Cooper and Jack Pattern

Question 4

What did Jack and William do in the months leading up to protest?

Answer 4

visited missions and reserves to gain support.

But despite widespread support, only 100 showed up. Aus law forbade indigenous people to gather for protest

Question 5

What was the purpose of the day of mourning?

Answer 5

Protest against the brutal treatment of indigenous people by Aboriginal Protection Board, unfair removal of children from reserves, need for equal rights

Question 6

What was in the 10-point plan for equality?

Answer 6

Importance of giving them full citizenship status
access to education, health service and employment
allowed to won property, possess bank account and receive pension
All the rights automatically granted for white people.

Question 7

How did the day end?

Answer 7

Walk to La Perouse, original landing spot of first fleet, released funeral wreaths to sea, to make death of Aboriginal culture, amount of deaths caused by the invasion/injustice of white people.

Question 8

Who did Jack Pattern also work with and why?

Answer 8

William Ferguson, founder of APA (Aboriginal Progressive Association) to put together a 12page document, “ABoriginal Claim Citizenship rights”, which ran in many national newspapers

Question 9

What was the significance of Day of Mourning?

Answer 9

It was the first national Aboriginal civil rights gathering and represents the identifiable beginning of the contemporary Aboriginal political movement. The Australian Hall, by association, became extremely significant to Indigenous heritage, and is now listed on the National Register of heritage places.

Question 10

What was the outcome of this protest?

Answer 10

following success of protest, delegation of 20 indigenous people led by Jack Pattern and William Ferguson, presented Joseph Lyon (PM), the 10 point plan.
Despite his willingness to listen it would take another 30 yrs and another generation of activists before it counts in national census.