Native Title Of Aboriginal People example essay topic

From the years between World War II and the 1970's there was increasing activism from Aboriginal Australians to improve their standards of life that was denied to them by white Australians before. Since the referendum of 1967 for the equal rights of Aborigines, Indigenous and white Australians alike became aware of the inequalities for human rights of Aborigines that existed and took the necessary steps toward reconciliation and to advance the cause of the Aboriginal people. Three significant steps among the many since include the Tent Embassy established by Aboriginal activists in Canberra in January 1972, the passing of High Court decision on the Mabo decision in June 1991, and most recently Corroboree 2000 held in January 2000. The Tent Embassy, erected on 26 January 1972 on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, is a strong example of organised and passionate Aboriginal activism which marked the point in Australia's history by the new generation of Aboriginal people. This embassy was an example of Aboriginal resistance to government policies restricting Aboriginal people and a statement of independence and land rights, as Aboriginal people demands for recognition as the original owners of Australian land. The Aboriginal Flag, designed by Harold Thomas and Gray Foley, was flown for the first time.

This attracts national and international attention to land rights of indigenous inhabitants, and is a step towards the coming of Native Title. This also highlights the contrast between the living conditions of black and white Australians, and struggle of the Aborigines to gain rights and Government courtesy on their own native land. Federal Police pulled down the Tent Embassy on the 20th of July using brutal force, however, it soon was re-erected and more than a thousand protesters of both colours gathered to prevent further removal. This is a significant step towards black and white cooperation as well as new awareness of the government on the strength of Aboriginal issues. The Tent Embassy proves an event that was a beginning of a long and continuing struggle for Aboriginal recognition.

It triggered the start of Aboriginal resistance leading to the erection of the present Aboriginal Tent Embassy now in 1998. Since white settlement in 1788, Australia is labeled 'terra nullius' - land belongs to no one - by the British, despite the obvious existence of indigenous inhabitants. In a tremendous and significant step, the High Court's 'Mabo and Others vs. The State of Queensland' case revokes the long-upheld concept of terra nullius and establish the precedence that recognise native title of Aboriginal people. The Mabo decision in June 1992, the full bench of High Court of Australia ruled that the Meri am people were entitled to possession, occupation, enjoyment and use of land of the Murray Islands of the Torres Strait, against Queensland 6 to 1 judges. This decision held that the common law of Australia recognise that native title exist on land not sold or extinguished by legitimate acts of government, where the people claiming the land have a cultural and spiritual connection with the land. Native Titles rights preserves the rights of Aboriginal inhabitants under their traditional law and customs.

The majority judges repudiated the doctrine of terra nullius, as being discriminatory and unconscionable, since Australia was populated by Aboriginal people, and in 1975 the international Court of Justice have found the doctrine only applies to inhabited territory. They reasoned if Aboriginal rights are extinguished as soon as British settle the colony, they have become intruders in their own home, and by civilised standards such law is unjust. This step shows the consciousness of the Aboriginal cause by the legal force and justice of Australia, as well as the acceptance of Native Titles and its officially recognition in the passing of the Native Titles Acts 1993 and 1998, and the success of the Wik Decision of 1996. The Mabo Decision is important as it recognise descendants of the original inhabitants of Australia still had a claim to hold native title. The Mabo judgement gives Aboriginal people the legal power to negotiate with governments and industry in order to achieve political and economic independence and connection of their land. Mabo also give Aboriginal people human rights and an opportunity for them to free themselves from colonial control.

Corroboree 2000 is seen as a ceremonial gathering of Australians to exchange commitments, make agreements and share in cultural performances for reconciliation. Corroboree, a word from the Drug people from the Sydney region and is defined as a group of ceremonies. In May 2000 the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation established in 1991 declared May 27 - June 3 'National Reconciliation Week' and presented its 'Documents for Reconciliation' to the Australian people at a ceremony held in Sydney Opera House on May 27. May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum; June 3 marks the anniversary of the 1992 Mabo High Court judgement. On May 28 Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed to traffic and 250 000 people demonstrate their support for reconciliation between indigenous people and the wider community in People's Walk for Reconciliation across the bridge. This significant step represents the Australia society as a whole to support and embrace the Aboriginal cause.

This made the reconciliation process much more effective, to involve and inspire all Australians. Rarely, if ever, have so many Australians walked in support of a cause. The three significant steps of the Tent Embassy, Mabo Decision and Corroboree 2000 summarise much of the achievement and advance the cause of for the Aboriginal people from the Aboriginal people, Australian government and Australian society through history since the 1967 Referendum. Together they have given Aborigines political and economic independence, increased cultural links and awareness and spurred the Aboriginal cause on towards Reconciliation.