First Nations Focus

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that these articles may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

News Spotlight: These First Nations politicians are headed for Canberra

The incoming 47th Parliament will also be the nation's most diverse, bringing in ten First Nations politicians — record numbers in both Houses of Parliament.  

Read more here.

Education: Reconciliation week 

Today marks the end of Reconciliation Week.

As we go forward from this week, we can take the meaning of reconciliation with us for the rest of the year.

“At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.” x

This article explains the 5 dimensions of Reconciliation.

History: Mabo Day June 3 

30 years ago today, "the High Court of Australia recognized that a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, held ownership of Mer (Murray Island). In acknowledging the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their land, the court also held that native title existed for all Indigenous people.This landmark decision gave rise to important native title legislation the following year and rendered terra nullius a legal fiction." x

Why is the Mabo decision important?

The Mabo decision acknowledged the traditional rights of Indigenous people to their land and waters, and paved the way for native title in Australia.

It also recognised that Indigenous people occupied Australia for tens of thousands of years before the British arrived in 1788. x

Why is native title important?

Native title legally recognises the traditional communal, group or individual rights and interests to land and waters of Aboriginal people, but viewed from and recognised by, the Australian legal system. x

• Learn more about Eddie Mabo here
• Learn more about native title here

First Nations Action Group