Mount St Benedict College acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present traditional custodians and elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ancestors have walked this country and we acknowledge their special and unique place in our nation’s historical, cultural and linguistic identity.
Visitors should be aware that this Research Guide may contain images or documentation relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are deceased.
First Australians by 
Wave Hill Walk-Off: On 23 August 1966, 200 Gurindji stockmen, domestic workers and their families initiated strike action at Wave Hill station in the Northern Territory.
The 1967 Referendum sought to change two sections of the Constitution in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Keating's 1992 speech, the first true acknowledgement of colonisation's damage by the Commonwealth government, has remained a touchstone of the reconciliation journey.
We look back at important moments in the history of Indigenous Australians. We join the Freedom Ride 50 years after it hit the road, find out what happened at Wave Hill, and why some people think there should be a treaty.
In 1967 Australia voted to remove the provisions of the constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal people.
Looking back on pivotal events like the 1972 founding of the tent embassy, Pocket Compass asks has the Indigenous voice been heard on treaty, recognition and truth? And is there such a thing as an Indigenous Nation?
Background and introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories
Timeline of key dates of reconciliation in Australia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History Resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history resources
Articles and reference materials
Links to Information about Music and the Arts
Examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Civics and Citizenship Celebrations/Commemorations
Throughout the year, there are a number of dedicated days and weeks that are significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the field of civics and citizenship, and indeed all Australian citizens committed to the reconciliation movement. Listed below are some examples of such celebratory or commemorative events, both past and present.
Anniversary of the National Apology (February 13)
Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum (May 27)
ANZAC Day (April 25)
Coming of the Light Festival (July 1)
(Former) Deadly Awards (‘The Deadlys’)— Marcia Langton Lifetime Award for Leadership
Harmony Day (March 21)
Indigenous Governance Awards (biennial)
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (August 9)
January 26 (keeping in mind the current Change the Date campaign)
Mabo Day (June 3)
NAIDOC Week (July)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (August 4)
National Close the Gap Day (March)
National Indigenous Human Rights Awards
National Reconciliation Week (May 27 - June 3)
National Sorry Day (May 26)
Understanding where we come from helps us shape a better future.
The Aboriginal community acknowledges many important days, events and anniversaries every year.
This timeline compiles all the important annual dates that they honour and celebrate such as Invasion day and Mabo day. This timeline can help you to learn more about the dates and what events are planned for it.
In 1966, Aboriginal stockmen went on strike at Wave Hill station in the Northern Territory. Under the leadership of a Gurindji man, Vincent Lingiari, the strikers set up camp at Wattie Creek. Over time, the industrial dispute with the Vestey family turned into a demand for land rights.
Nine years later, in 1975, the Whitlam Government resolved the dispute and title to the land was granted to the Gurindji people. During the ceremony to grant the land title, Whitlam symbolically poured sand into Lingiari’s hand.
In 1937, William Cooper sent a petition to the Commonwealth Parliament to be sent to King George VI, after previous attempts to petition King George V. This petition sought an Aboriginal voice in Parliament.
