2017

1. May Recognition

   More than 250 Aboriginal leaders from across the country gather at Uluru at the Referendum Council’s National Convention to identify amendments required for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people. But the government rejects a proposal for a constitutionally enshrined voice to Parliament.

2. 10 May Treaty

   16 Aboriginal nations from across the northern Murray-Darling Basin sign a treaty between themselves, known as the Union of Sovereign First Nations of the Northern Murray-Darling Basin, to have a united voice on Aboriginal issues and more bargaining power and economic opportunities.

3. 13 May Arts

   Tracey Moffatt (Bedevil) represents Australia at the 57th Venice Biennale (13 May – 26 November), making her the first Aboriginal artist to present a solo exhibition at the event.

4. 16 May Arts Stamps

   

   One stamp in Australia Post's Street Art issue shows artist Adnate’s large-scale work in Hosier Lane, Melbourne. The City of Melbourne commissioned this 23 metre mural of an Aboriginal boy in 2014. As in this portrait, Adnate’s subjects are often members of Aboriginal communities, and the artist has done a significant amount of fundraising work in this area.

5. 23 May Treaty

   Aboriginal leaders from across Australia gather at Uluru from 23–26 May to identify amendments required for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people, culminating in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This is probably the first time that Aboriginal people presented a united position and a single key recommendation.

6. 24 May Politics Arts Stamps

   

   An Australia Post stamp commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the constitution to empower the federal government to make legislation for Aboriginal people, in the same way it could for all other Australians, and to include Aboriginal people in the census.

   The stamp combines contemporary dot art elements and curved lines to form a symbol of two fingerprints merging to form one. The word "Yes" in the iconic referendum-campaign font symbolises strength in unity and what has been thus far achieved.

7. 24 May Arts

   

   The Royal Australian Mint issues a special 50-cent coin, "Pride & Passion", to mark the 25th anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision and the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. Artist and grand-daughter of Eddie Mabo, Boneta-Marie Mabo, helped with the design of the coin. Only 1.4 million coins are minted.

8. 24 May Politics Protest

   Teenager and Gumbaynggirr woman Aretha Brown is chosen by 60 peers as the first female Aboriginal Youth Prime Minister of Australia at the National Youth Parliament in Canberra. In this role she meets Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition leader Bill Shorten and the Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

9. 29 May Arts Recognition Stamps

   Since 1997 Australia Post celebrates living Australians who have positively shaped Australian society with its Australian Legends Award. In 2017 it honours three Aboriginal leaders: Tom Calma, Lowitja O’Donoghue and Galarrwuy Yunupingu for their tireless and lifelong efforts to improve social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal peoples. Together, their work has spanned the areas of land rights, economics, self-determination, health, welfare, education and reconciliation.

   Since its inception, Australia Post announced the Australian Legends Award on Australia Day. Out of respect for those who associate 26 January with invasion and the colonisation of Aboriginal people, it scheduled this year's announcement to May, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. ^[1]

   

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