Indeginous rights Flashcards
long-term causes that have led to negative experiences for Indigenous peoples
Colonisation and the dispossession of land, resulted in the disruption of cultural knowledge and practices
What were some of the causes of The Stolen Generations?
Assimilation Policies, Racial Prejudice, Control of Indigenous Populations, Economic Factors
What was the aim of Assimilation Policies in relation to The Stolen Generations?
To integrate indigenous Australians into mainstream society by eradicating their cultural identity and traditions.
How did the government exert control over the indigenous population during The Stolen Generations?
By removing indigenous children from their families and communities, disrupting traditional kinship structures, and undermining indigenous authority figures.
What were some of the impacts of The Stolen Generations?
Trauma and Disruption of Families, Cultural Loss and Identity Struggle, Psychological and Social Impacts, Educational and Socioeconomic Disadvantages, Intergenerational Effect
The Wave Hill Walk Off- 1966 (when, where, what, who, why, outcome/evidence)
When: 1966-1974
Where: Northern Territory (NT) at a cattle station
Who: Vincent Lingiari led a group of 200 Aboriginal people and their families
What: They walked off their workstations at the cattle station, which was run by Vestey Brothers.
Why: Protest was intended to fight for equal pay, eventually evolved into a battle for land ownership and rights.
Outcome: Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically handed over 3300kms of land to the Gurindji people, pouring earth into Lingiari’s hand as a sign of land ownership and rights
The right to vote - 1962
what happened and what caused it?
The right to vote for Indigenous Australians in federal elections was granted in 1962 with the passing of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
cause: Growing Awareness of Injustice, International Pressure, Shifting Political Landscape, Social and Cultural Shifts, Legal Challenges
1967 Referendum (when, what, who, why)
When: 1967
What: 90% of Australians voted to amend the constitution, removing clauses targeting Aboriginal people. Despite this, discrimination persisted.
Who: Faith Bandler played a key role in advocacy, but Parliament and the nation drove the final outcome.
Why: The goal was to eradicate racism from the constitution and make unfair treatment of First Nations people illegal.
The Freedom Rides: 1965 (when, where, what, who, why, outcome)
When: February 1965
Where: The Freedom Ride bus traveled through various rural areas in New South Wales.
What: Activists, led by Indigenous leader Charlie Perkins, observed and protested racial violence and discrimination, aiming to bring attention to these issues through media coverage.
Who: Charlie Perkins led the effort, with support from many others who participated in the protests.
Why: The goal was to expose and challenge racial prejudice and segregation in rural NSW, bringing awareness to the rest of Australia.
Outcome: While the Freedom Ride did not immediately end racism, it was crucial in exposing discriminatory practices, raising awareness nationally, and contributing to the groundwork for the 1967 referendum.
key features and achievements of the Whitlam Government?
Social Reform:
Healthcare, education, housing, and welfare improvements.
Aimed at social justice and equality
.
Indigenous and Women’s Rights:
Advocated for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and women’s rights.
Foreign Policy:
Independent stance, stronger ties with Asia-Pacific.
Recognized People’s Republic of China, Vietnam War troop withdrawal.
Constitutional Reform:
Pushed for Aboriginal rights referendum.
Sought to replace British monarchy with Australian republic.
The Tent Embassy: 1972 (when, where, what, who, why, outcome/evidence)
When: January 26, 1972
Where: Canberra, at the front lawn of Parliament House
What: Indigenous activists set up tents, making it a focal point for protests.
Who: Organized by Indigenous activists
Why: Protested against government land-rights policies, declared Indigenous land sovereignty.
Outcome: Raised awareness, led to policy changes, symbolized resistance, recognized land rights, and held cultural significance.
Mabo Decision of 1992 (when, what, who, why, outcome)
When: June 3, 1992
What: Eddie Mabo and other activists argued that their traditional land rights were not extinguished by British colonization. After a lengthy legal battle, the High Court ruled in favor of Mabo, rejecting the concept of terra nullius and affirming native title.
Who: Eddie Mabo and fellow activists were central figures in this legal challenge.
Outcome: The ruling brought significant change by recognizing Indigenous land rights. However, ongoing challenges and limitations persist in the broader struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in Australia.
What event led to the enactment of the Native Title Act 1993?
The Mabo v Queensland decision
What did the Native Title Act 1993 empower Indigenous communities to do?
Assert land rights, negotiate with stakeholders
What challenges persist despite the Native Title Act 1993?
Even with the Native Title Act 1993, it was still hard to prove ongoing land connections, deal with legal issues, manage conflicting land uses, consult meaningfully, and address past injustices in Indigenous land rights.
