The importance of the Land Rights Movement: Native Title, Mabo, and Wik Decision Flashcards
What was the Yirrkala Bark Petetion?
In 1963, where the Yolngu people of Yirrkala presented a petition written on bark to the Commonwealth Parliament protesting for ownership of their land
Why was the Yirrkala Bark Petition important?
- It illustrated the First Nations trying to come to an agreement
- They met in the middle: First Nations wrote on bark, using writing, a form of communication that the Europeans were comfortable with
- Allowed Indigenous peoples to speak out
What was the Freedom Rides?
In 1965, Charles Perkins, with 30 people went on a bus tour to rural NSW to protest and show the racial discrimination that was present
Why was the Freedom Rides important?
- Enabled Aboriginal peoples to use the land they owned before it was taken
- Revealed the injustices experienced by First Nations
- Spread information and awareness about the injustices felt y Aboriginal peoples
What was the Wave Hill Strike?
In 1966, the Gurindji people when on strike to press their claim to part o the Wave Hill pastoral station in the NT. It spread also spread awareness about the poor conditions Aboriginal workers experienced.
Why was the Wave Hill Strike so important?
- It became a catalyst for greater recognition of Indigenous rights
- Allowed First Nations to gain their land and reconnect with their Country.
- Pivotal in reconciliation, as seen through Gough Whitlam pouring dirt into the hands of Vincent Lingiari
What was the Tent Embassy?
- In 1972, four men including Michael Anderson created a tent on the lawns in front of the then Parliament House called the Aboriginal Embassy.
- It was a protest against the denial of rights for Aboriginal peoples and the lack of action for Aboriginal affairs
Michael Anderson said…
“The land was taken from us by force… we shouldn’t have to lease it”
What was the importance of the Tent Embassy?
- It was a sign of protest and power and showed determination
- Seeks to secure the rights of Aboriginal peoples
- Allowed for religious and cultural preservation
What was the Mabo Decision?
In 1992, Eddie Mabo, a member of the Meriam people on Murray Island in the Torres Strait, appealed to the High Court of Australia of their rights to their land, and won. This victory was gained through evidence of their existence before colonization
What was the significance of the Mabo Decision?
- The case led to the 1993 Native Title ACT, which then resulted in the Wik case of 1996
Enabled Indigenous peoples to speak out about the injustices they faced - Allowed Indigenous peoples to regain their land
What was the Native Title Act 1993
A law passed by the Australia government that acknowledged the rights and interest of Indigenous peoples
Importance of the Native Title Act 1993?
- Led to the Wik case 1996
- A step closer in achieving land ownership
What is the Wik Decision?
In 1996, where a legal case involving the Wik people, who claimed they had right to their land. The court later announced that the Native Title continues to exist despite the government leasing the land
Why was the Wik Decision important?
-Necessary to address the situations in relation to pastoral land and leases, as Mabo Decision addressed the situation in the Torres Strait where pastoral leased did not exist
