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: Students launch global campaign to repatriate carved trees to Kamilaroi Country

Kamilaroi students have launched a global campaign to return carved trees that were destroyed and stolen in 1949 from northwest New South Wales.

“The carved trees have a spirit that is past, present and future.”

Education: Serving their Country

Despite discrimination and exclusion, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have served in the Australian Defence Forces since the 1860s and possibly earlier.

…We’re not citizens, yet we’re willing to die for this place, we’re willing to die for non-Indigenous Australians, have a think about that one… — Gary Oakley

Read about the involvement of First Nations Peoples in defence forces here:

https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/serving-their-country

History: this week, 76 years ago, Australia's longest strike took place - The Pilbara Strike

The Pilbara strike of 1946-49 is one of the most dramatic moments in Australia’s indigenous history. Aboriginal people not only defied the owners of pastoral stations in North-West Western Australia by demanding better wages and conditions, but also sought to win independence from their colonial masters. In its aftermath, they acquired considerable freedom and autonomy through co-operative mining and other ventures. The story of this struggle inspired the campaign for Aboriginal rights throughout Australia

Image: Peter 'Kangushot' Coppin, one of the leaders of the 1946 Pilbara strike. Source

Read more about the Pilbara Strike here:

First Nations Action Group