The Indigenous Voice! It is a call that has echoed through the history of Australia, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have fought for their voices to be heard. This journey culminated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which called for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Australian constitution. However, this is just one step in a long history of struggle and activism.
Here is a timeline of significant moments that shaped the Indigenous Voice, treaty, and truth in Australia:
50,000 years ago: Murujuga rock art
The rock art at Murujuga in Western Australia is a testament to the rich cultural history of Indigenous people. These petroglyphs, estimated to be over one million years old, depict animals, some of which are now extinct. Unfortunately, there are concerns about the preservation of this heritage site due to a gas project in the area.
30,000 years ago: The Story of Budj Bim
The Gunditjmara people’s story of Budj Bim, an ancestral creation-being who revealed himself during a volcanic eruption, is believed to be one of the oldest living stories on Earth. The aquaculture system at Budj Bim, dating back 6,600 years, received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019.
January 26, 1788: ‘Invasion Day’
January 26 marks the arrival of Captain James Cook and Britain’s First Fleet in Botany Bay, now known as Sydney. This date, celebrated as Australia Day, is also known as Invasion Day to acknowledge the negative impact colonization had on Indigenous peoples. Invasion Day protests occur annually on this day.
1937: Petition for citizenship, land rights, and representation
In 1937, William Cooper, the Secretary of the Australian Aboriginal Advancement League, delivered a petition to the King of England, George VI. The petition called for representation in parliament, citizenship, and land rights for Aboriginal people. This was a significant step towards recognizing Indigenous rights.
January 26, 1938: Day of Mourning
The Australian Aborigines League and the Aborigines Progressive Association organized a Day of Mourning on January 26, 1938. This protest event highlighted the mistreatment of Aboriginal people over the past 150 years and called for full citizen status and equality within the community.
1963: Yirrkala bark petitions
The Yolngu people from Yirrkala sent bark petitions to the Australian parliament in 1963. These petitions, adorned with bark paintings, protested against mining activities that disregarded their consultation and threatened their land.
1965: Freedom Rides
Charlie Perkins, along with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, embarked on the Freedom Rides in 1965. They protested against segregation, raising awareness about the unfair treatment of Indigenous people in towns like Moree.
1972: Aboriginal Tent Embassy established
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy was established in Canberra in 1972, symbolizing the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights. This protest site outside Parliament House continues to advocate for justice and recognition.
1980s: Protests and advocacy
Throughout the 1980s, peaceful protests were held across Australia to highlight inequality and demand change. These demonstrations amplified the voices of Aboriginal people and their supporters, shedding light on the ongoing struggle.
1990-2005: ATSIC
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was established in 1990 to provide Indigenous Australians with a formal platform to participate in government processes. However, ATSIC was abolished in 2005, which led to a renewed call for an Indigenous Voice to be enshrined in the Australian constitution.
1992: Eddie Mabo overturns ‘terra nullius’
The High Court of Australia overturned the colonial concept of ‘terra nullius’ in 1992 in the historic Mabo vs. Queensland case. Eddie Mabo fought for recognition of his ancestral lands, leading to the establishment of Native Title laws acknowledging Indigenous people’s connection to the land.
2008: National Apology
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Stolen Generations. This apology aimed to acknowledge past wrongs and pave the way for reconciliation.
2017: The Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Uluru Statement from the Heart, released in 2017, called for a First Nations Voice to be enshrined in the Australian constitution. This statement also emphasized the importance of truth-telling and the establishment of a truth-telling body.
2021: The Yoorrook Justice Commission
The Yoorrook Justice Commission, established in Victoria in 2021, is the first official truth-telling body in Australian history. This commission records the testimonies of Aboriginal people, capturing their lived experiences of dispossession and resistance.
2023: Voice Referendum
The upcoming 2023 referendum will consider the proposal for enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Australian constitution. While the campaign has faced disinformation and racism, it represents another vital step towards recognizing and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Indigenous Australians continue their journey towards achieving Voice, Treaty, and Truth. This timeline highlights the immense resilience, activism, and determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their fight for justice, recognition, and equality.