history Flashcards
What was the purpose of the policy of Protectionism?
The Protection Act aimed to “civilize” Indigenous Australians by controlling their lives through forced relocation to reserves, where their rights were heavily restricted. Indigenous people lost cultural freedoms, faced poor living conditions, and children were often forcibly removed from families, enduring trauma and abuse. The policies aimed to assimilate them into European society while denying basic freedoms and cultural identity.
What did the policy of Assimilation seek to achieve?
The assimilation policy, adopted in the 1930s, aimed to make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially those of mixed descent, abandon their cultures and adopt the way of life of White Australians. Although they were expected to integrate, they did not enjoy the same rights. Protectionist policies remained for “full-blooded” Aboriginal people, and many children were forcibly removed from their families under the pretense that it would be better for them to live with European families or in institutions. The goal was to ensure that all Aboriginal people would live like white Australians.
What is the integration policy?
By the 1970s, the integration policy replaced assimilation, aiming to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as part of a broader Australian society. While this policy acknowledged Indigenous cultural identities, it still had effects similar to assimilation. The government recognized the need to address discrimination and inequality through programs in health, education, and employment. A significant event was the 1971 Tent Embassy, where Indigenous activists protested for their land rights on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.
How did the Integration policy differ from the Assimilation act?
The Integration policy allowed Indigenous peoples to keep their cultural identity while participating in Australian society, with government support to address inequalities.
The Assimilation policy aimed to erase Indigenous cultures entirely, expecting them to adopt white Australian ways of life and abandon their traditions.
What was the aim of the Self-Determination policy?
Introduced in the 1970s, the self-determination policy marked a shift from previous policies by allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples more control over their own affairs. Rather than being assimilated into white society or merely integrated, Indigenous communities were now empowered to make decisions about their land, culture, education, and governance. This policy promoted Indigenous autonomy and aimed to reduce dependency on government control, with the goal of improving social, economic, and political conditions through self-governance and community-led initiatives.
What did the reconciliation plan aim to do?
The Reconciliation policy, which emerged in the 1990s, aimed to address historical wrongs and promote healing between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. This policy focused on recognizing the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the impacts of colonization, dispossession, and discriminatory practices like the Stolen Generations. Reconciliation sought to bridge the divide by fostering understanding, respect, and a commitment to improving Indigenous rights and social outcomes. Key actions included formal apologies, the establishment of Reconciliation Australia, and promoting awareness through education and cultural initiatives.
What was the Mabo Case, and why is it significant?
The 1992 Mabo Case overturned “terra nullius” and recognized native title for Indigenous Australians, leading to the Native Title Act, which allowed Indigenous land claims.
What did the Wik Decision establish?
The 1996 Wik Decision said that Indigenous land rights (native title) could exist alongside leases given to farmers. This expanded land rights for Indigenous Australians, but in 1998, the government passed a law to put some limits on these rights.”
What is Paul Keating known for regarding Indigenous rights?
Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, Keating delivered the Redfern Speech, acknowledging the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians and supporting the Native Title Act after the Mabo Case.
Who was John Howard, and what was his stance on Indigenous reconciliation?
As Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007, Howard was known for not formally apologizing to the Stolen Generations, though he supported some Indigenous policies, like the Native Title Amendment Act.
What was the “Sorry Speech,” and why was it important?
The 2008 “Sorry Speech” by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologized to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging past wrongs and advancing reconciliation efforts.
Who is Kevin Rudd, and what is his role in Indigenous reconciliation?
Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, Rudd is remembered for his 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations, marking a key moment in Australia’s reconciliation process.
What is the “Little Children are Sacred” report, and what did it lead to?
This 2007 report highlighted child abuse in Northern Territory Indigenous communities, leading to “The Intervention,” a federal response with controversial restrictions on community autonomy.
What was the “Sorry Speech,” and why was it important?
The 2008 “Sorry Speech” by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging past wrongs and advancing reconciliation efforts.
