Australian Aboriginal History
"Australian history started with Captain Cook," is what a lot of people, even today, tell me when asked what they learned at school. Secondary history books, published this year, sometimes brush over Indigenous history in twelve pages only.
Until we get it right with the teaching of Aboriginal history, then I don't think that we can pretend to be Australians together.—Dr Jackie Huggins, Indigenous educator, author and activist [1].
If you want to read about Aboriginal history from the 1850s to the mid-1980s I can highly recommend Rosalind Kidd's book "The Way We Civilise". To my mind it's Australia's missing history book on Indigenous history.
Alternatively, check out the Aboriginal history timeline I have prepared below.
Aboriginal history timeline
- 2007
- Aboriginal HistoryTimelineAboriginal history timeline
There are far more events in an Aboriginal history timeline than your history book might teach you. Discover ancient Aborigianl history, pre-Cook history and many events you've never heard of!
Discover the Aboriginal history timeline of significant events.
The Myall Creek Massacre, 1838
Described as 'Australia's forgotten history' massacres on Aboriginal people were rarely documented. Not so the massacre at Myall Creek in 1838.
Read what happened at the Myall Creek massacre and why it was exceptional.
The 1967 Referendum
In 1967 a referendum was held that made history: Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the Commonwealth to create laws for them.
Learn about the 1967 Referendum and how it came to be.
The Anzac Day legend & Coloured Digger Anzac march
Australia's war history forgot to mention many hundred Aboriginal 'diggers' who participated in all major Austrlaian wars since the late 1880s.
Read about Anzac Day and the Coloured Digger march.
Indigenous/Aboriginal calendar
You'll be surprised how many dates tell of significant events in Aboriginal history. Indigenous peoples would have their own "public holidays" if only the events were recognised on a broader scope.
Learn about the Aboriginal calendar of significant events.
History: Are you an Aboriginal person? Get involved!
For this project I'd like to involve Aboriginal people as much as possible. It should also become a platform for your voice and your story.
If you think you can contribute to any of these areas on the left-hand side, I am happy to listen to your advice. If necessary I can help you to put it into words, an audio file or an image for this site.
Contact me and we can find a way how your story helps towards true reconciliation.
Out of respect for Aboriginal culture I use Indigenous sources as much as possible.
[1] Koori Mail 390 (6/12/2006) p.14
[2] MX News, 18/4/2007, p.2
[3] MX News, 20/4/2007, p.4
[4] http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani/themes/theme1.htm,
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_at_Anzac_Cove, [6] Sydney Morning Herald, 17/4/2007
[6] 'Indigenous servicemen to be remembered', Sydneyh Morning Herald, 23/4/2008
Content
The author of this site wishes to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work.