purpose and significance of early aboriginal activism

Question 1

first wave of aboriginal activism (before eddie mabo or charles perkins)

Answer 1

Before Eddie Mabo or Charles Perkins, there was an early first wave of Aboriginal activism. It was led by Aboriginal men such as Fred Maynard, who established the AAPA (Australian Aborigines Progressive Association). Fred Maynard was inspired by early US civil rights leaders such as Marcus Garvey. Maynard was fighting for land rights, protection of Aboriginal children and the right to an education, amongst other things.

Question 2

describe the day of mourning

Answer 2

The rage was expressed in the 1938 Aboriginal Day of Mourning, a direct protest to Australia’s 150th birthday. 150 years since British arrived in Australia.

Question 3

what was the purpose of the day of mourning

Answer 3

to raise awareness and protest the lack of rights and freedoms of the ATSI peoples (citizenship, equality, wages, freedom of movement, slavery, education). It was a day to mourn losses, rather than to celebrate.

Question 4

what were the methods of the day of mourning

Answer 4

manifesto, speeches, marches. Meeting with ATSI leaders and the Prime Minister and wife, but no tangible impacts. Bringing ATSI leadership to the front e.g. APA and AAL.

Question 5

cummerajunga walk off 1939

Answer 5

ATSI had quite a successful set up at the Cummeragunja mission, but government restrictions tightened and the manager Arthur McQuiggan was feared as a result of his harsh punishments and tight control. ATSI leaders complained to the Protection Board and government, but no change occurred.

200 ATSI from the Cummeragunja Reserve walked off the mission, crossing the Murray River in protest of the conditions they were experiencing.

Remember to outline the significance of this event. One of the very early forms of Aboriginal activism. Drew media attention.