What was the purpose of the Gurindji strike?
The Gurindji strike was instrumental in heightening the understanding of First Nations land ownership in Australia and was a catalyst for the passing of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, the first legislation allowing for a claim of title if the First Nations claimants could provide evidence for …
Why did the Gurindji people walk-off?
In August 1966, Vincent Lingiari, a Gurindji spokesman, led a walk-off of 200 Aboriginal stockmen, house servants, and their families from Wave Hill as a protest against the work and pay conditions.
In what ways were the Gurindji exploited by pastoralists?
The Gurindji people, like other Mobs across ‘Australia’, did not want to leave their Country and pastoralists wanted cheap labour in the cattle and sheep stations. As a result, Aboriginal people became an important but heavily exploited part of the cattle and sheep industry across the Northern Territory.
How did the government respond to the Wave Hill walk-off?
The Wave Hill walk-off had paved the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. In 1975 the Gurindji people bought the pastoral lease with grazing rights to part of the station. After the NT government threatened to resume the lease, the Gurindji lodged a land rights claim.
Who supported the Gurindji strike?
The campaign drew on support from unions, church organisations, the anti-apartheid movement and political parties such as the Communist Party of Australia, Socialist Party of Australia and some elements of the Australian Labor Party.
Who led the Gurindji strike?
Vincent Lingiari
On 23 August 1966, Vincent Lingiari led 200 courageous Wave Hill workers and their families, to walk off the Station and begin their strike.
What methods did the Gurindji use to achieve the civil right of land ownership?
As a result, the Gurindji engaged in civil disobedience by refusing to leave. Returning to this sacred and traditional land encouraged the Aboriginal people to demand ownership of 500 square miles of land. On April 19th, 1967, Frank Hardy transcribed and sent a petition to Governor-General, Lord Casey, of Australia.
What did the Gurindji people start to demand from 1967?
In 1967 the Gurindji set up a camp at Daguragu (also known as Wattie Creek). It soon became clear that the Gurindji did not simply want fair wages. More importantly they wanted the government to return some of their land.
Why did the Yolngu people present a bark petition to the government?
Parliamentarians visit Arnhem Land The residents told the parliamentarians that they had not been informed about the federal government’s plans and that they needed help getting their land back. Beazley suggested that the Yolngu send a petition to parliament.
How do I claim Aboriginal land rights?
Aboriginal people can only claim vacant government-owned land (“Crown land”) under the Native Title Act and they must prove a continuous relationship with this land. “Freehold title” is land owned by individual owners, companies or local councils. Such lands cannot be claimed.
Was the 1963 bark petition successful?
The 1963 petitions were the first in a series of Bark petitions. The petitions that followed occurred in 1968, 1988, 1998 and 2008. The 1968 petition requested that a nearby township be renamed Nhulunbuy. The petition was successful, and the township still stands under that name today.
What was the 1963 bark petition?
In 1963 the Australian government took 300 square kilometres of land from the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land without even asking them. Wanting their voices to be heard, the Yolngu people submitted two bark petitions that made history, but didn’t help them.
Why are Torres Strait Islanders not Aboriginal?
Torres Strait Islanders are of Melanesian origin with their own distinct identity, history and cultural traditions. Many Torres Strait Islanders live on mainland Australia. The term ‘Indigenous’ is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What is the 1963 bark petition?
The First Petition In 1963 on the 13th of March the Commonwealth government stole over 300 square kilometres of land from the Arnhem land reserve so that they could grant mining leases for bauxite mining – a rock with a high aluminium content.
What is the significance of the Gurindji strike?
The strike was one of extraordinary courage and determination by the Gurindji, and is widely acknowledged as a defining moment in the struggle for Land Rights in Australia. Australian unions proudly celebrate the legacy of this heroic moment in the ongoing movement against racism, for justice, and for Indigenous rights.
What was the Governor-General’s response to the Gurindji claim?
The Governor-General’s reply was about laws, not morals. As a result of the Gurindji claim, the debate about Indigenous rights to land was no longer limited to Aboriginal reserves such as Yirrkala or Lake Tyers. Cabinet, however, rejected this interpretation and the Governor-General refused the request set out in the petition.
What is the history of the Gurindji movement?
Gurindji leaders toured Australia to try to raise awareness and gain support for their cause and in 1967 they petitioned the Governor-General to grant a lease of 1300 square kilometres around Daguragu to be run cooperatively by the Gurindji and the government. In the petition they stated:
Why was the Vestey V Gurindji protest so important?
It was a pivotal protest by Aboriginal workers against racism – and for Award wages, for Land Rights and for self-determination. Vestey’s racist treatment of the Gurindji workers it employed was emblematic of racism in broader Australian society.