Protocols for working
with Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander peoples
SEPTEMBER 2015
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
2Contents
Message from the chairperson:
Strength through unity 3
Acknowledgement of traditional custodians 4
SECTION 1: Community engagement protocols 5
1.1 Principles of engagement 5
1.2 A commitment to engage 6
1.3 Protocols for engagement 8
SECTION 2: Important information 12
2.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity 12
2.2 The Stolen Generation 12
2.3 Terminology 13
2.4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in the ACT 14
2.5 Welcome to country and
Acknowledgement of country 16
2.6 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Elected Body (ATSIEB) 18
2.7 The United Ngunnawal Elders Council
(UNEC) 19
2.8 From a national perspective 20
2.9 The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags 26
2.10 From an international perspective 29
References 30
Bibliography 31
© Australian Capital Territory,
Canberra 2015
This work is copyright. Apart
from any use as permitted
under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced
by any process without
written permission from the
Territory Records Office, ACT
Government, GPO Box 158,
Canberra City ACT 2601.
Produced by the ACT Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
Elected Body (ATSIEB).
ATSIEB Secretariat
Level 8, 11 Moore Street
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6205 2551
Email: atsieb@act.gov.au
Web: www.atsieb.com.au
3Strength through unity
These protocols were developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community organisations and individual members of the
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Community feedback through meetings, electronic
correspondence, and by organisational feedback were captured
and compiled to create this document. The development
process ensured that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples in the ACT were able to put forward their views on
effective and appropriate engagement.
Specific acknowledgement to both Kim Davison from Gugan
Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation and Diane Collins Deputy
Chairperson, ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected
Body (ATSIEB) who together have guided the process and
ensured the integrity of both content development and feedback
from community and individual stakeholders. Kiki Korpinen
previously from ACTCOSS is also acknowledged for assisting in
compiling and drafting the protocols document.
These Community Engagement Protocols for the ACT Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander communities are a practice resource
guide for all public, private, and not-for-profit sector agencies and
organisations seeking to engage with our communities.
ATSIEB recognises these protocols play a significant role in
relation to the ACT Relationship Principles of the ACT Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2015–2018. We sincerely
thank all organisations and individual community members
for their commitment and generosity of advice throughout the
development process.
Rod Little
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
September 2015
MESSAGE
FROM THE
CHA IRPE RS O N
4Acknowledgement of
traditional custodians
We pay respect to the traditional custodians
of the ACT and Region, the Ngunnawal
People, on whose land we live and work
upon. We acknowledge that these lands
are Aboriginal lands and pay respect
and celebrate their ongoing cultural
traditions and contributions to the ACT
and surrounding region.
We also acknowledge the many other
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
from across Australia who have now made
Canberra their home and we pay respect
and celebrate their cultures, diversity, and
contributions to the ACT and surrounding
region.
5Community engagement protocols
Respect cultural values, protocols and ways of doing business!
These protocols have been designed to guide public, private, and
not-for-profit agencies and organisations to effectively engage,
communicate, and work with the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander communities.
1.1 Principles of engagement
Integrity Engagement based on demonstrated mutual respect
and trust.
Transparency Engagement based on clear and agreed information
and feedback processes.
Inclusiveness Engagement that involves and includes the community
early and throughout the process.
Communication Engagement based on listening, learning and talking.
Respect Engagement based on cultural security and a
commitment to respecting the cultural rights, values
and expectations of the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander communities.
Accountability Engagement based on an individual or organisation to
account for its activities, accept responsibility for them,
and to disclose the results in a transparent manner.
SECT ION 1
61.2 A commitment to engage
A commitment to engage also requires openness and clarity
about how, why and when Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
communities will be consulted and how much influence there will
be in the decision making process. The reasons for engagement
will vary and include:
● providing information and seeking community participation and
input on an existing policy, strategy, service, or program
● seeking input and advice on the development and design of
new services or programs or measures
● consulting about the need in a community for a proposed policy
or program
● establishing an ongoing communication mechanism, such as
an advisory group, to contribute to a policy, program, or service
● monitoring the implementation of an existing service, program
or policy
● inviting participation in a proposed initiative.
A commitment to engage with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples also means being realistic and honest about the purpose
of engagement. Effective engagement requires ‘front-end’ planning
to ensure that the engagement methods and processes are ‘fit for
purpose’ and this means:
● being clear about the objectives and outcomes sought from the
engagement
● being prepared to explain the purpose and reach of the policy,
service or program including both its inclusions and exclusions
● being open about your agencies capacity to meet community
expectations as a result of the engagement
● being prepared to follow through with agreements made with
communities at the time of engagement, for example with
an outcomes report.
7Effective and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and /or Torres
Strait Islander peoples and communities on issues that affect them is
an important part of culturally appropriate public policy, research, and
service or program development and implementation.
When planning to seek the advice and participation or views of
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, decisions must be
made on the level of engagement with ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander communities.
Level of engagement Definition Technique examples
Information sharing A one-way relationship
where information
is shared with the
community.
Websites, brochures,
education advertisements,
research ACT specific
reports
Consultation A two-way relationship
for communities to
provide feedback
on issues.
Focus groups, workshops,
individual interviews
Active participation Collaboration where
community shapes
policy, service or
program development
or implementation
Reference and Advisory
Groups
Source: OECD Engagement Model
81.3 Protocols for engagement
Engagement is an ongoing process which benefits all participants
equally to ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander voices are
effectively incorporated into the development or implementation of
policy, services, and programs.
The following protocols outline the strategies that organisations and
agencies can use to establish respectful and ongoing relationships
with the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
1 Understand the community and the region
Researching and collecting background information about the
ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities prior to
the engagement process will assist agencies and organisations to
understand the local environment and potentially assist in identifying
options for addressing strengths and weaknesses. Useful information
to gather includes:
● demographics of the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
communities
● local community groups
● traditional custodian groups
● local ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community
organisations
● history of the community and past engagement
● current or emerging issues of sensitivity that may affect the
engagement process
● ACT Government, Commonwealth and non-government agencies
already delivering programs or services to the community.
92 Seek advice from ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
organisations and existing community networks
Forging strong relationships with the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander community groups and organisations in the ACT region
will provide further invaluable knowledge on the clan groups within the
community, some of the important issues affecting the communities,
and the diversity within the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
communities.
Collaborating with local ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
community organisations and existing community networks is also vital
both to seek advice about the right individuals or groups to engage with
and, the most appropriate way to engage. It is noted that examples
provided below are not exhaustive and do not limit the services
delivered to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander peoples in the ACT.
ACT Government
programs and services
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Affairs
Art Burrunju Aboriginal Corporation
Education ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education Consultative Group
Elders United Ngunnawal Elders Council
Employment Habitat
Health and wellbeing Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Heritage Registered Aboriginal Organisations,
United Ngunnawal Elders Council
Housing Housing ACT
Legal and justice NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service,
Legal Aid ACT, Women’s Legal Centre
Representation, advocacy
and governance
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Elected Body
Torres Strait Islander Torres Strait Islander Corporation
Youth and young people Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation
10
3 Engagement practices and processes
Open and transparent engagement practices and processes are a
powerful mechanism for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
communities in the ACT to inform decision making and to also
increase trust and credibility with the engaging organisation. The
following engagement practices and processes are recommended:
● Identify and provide the required resources to conduct the
engagement such as meeting costs, travel expenses, or other
arrangements to support the engagement.
● Allow appropriate lead-in time before the engagement occurs
to ensure that community members and representatives have
sufficient time to engage in the process.
● Provide appropriate recognition to the ACT Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander communities by acknowledging or engaging
an Elder to provide a Welcome to country or an Acknowledgment
of country to show respect to traditional custodians and
communities generally.
● Set transparent parameters for the engagement activity through
clearly defined inclusions and exclusions which are a mutual
agreement with the participants at the start of the engagement.
● Ensure that all information, verbal and written, is appropriate for
the intended audience and is accurate, easy to access, and easy
to understand.
● Ensure that there is a logical flow to the information presented and
the overall engagement process provides time for discussion via
a range of communication strategies to allow all participants the
opportunity to speak, contribute and be heard.
● Effectively manage expectations to allow for different views to be
heard, respected and equally represented.
● Agree to a feedback or follow-up process at the engagement
and confirm the outcomes from the process at the end of the
engagement.
11
4 Traditional customs
The use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional customs,
stories and sacred information requires permission to translate or
reproduce. Men’s and Women’s business are culturally sensitive
issues within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the
ACT. Permission to use such information in the ACT is through
the United Ngunnawal Elders Council (UNEC).
5 Feedback and follow-up processes
Feedback is a critical element of successful engagement with
the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
Feedback enables community members to ‘see’ that their views have
contributed to the process and confirm that their views have been
understood and accurately recorded.
By providing timely feedback agencies can enhance their partnership
and engagement with the ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
communities thus working together to improve outcomes. Feedback
also demonstrates the agency’s commitment to deliver agreed
outcomes and develop meaningful, long-term relationships with the
ACT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
12
Important information
This section provides educative information about the ACT
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities for all public,
private, and not-for-profit agencies and organisations developing
policy, and delivering services and programs to the community.
2.1 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
identity
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples identity is defined
by heritage, belonging and connection to country.
An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is someone who:
● is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
and/or
● identifies themselves as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander person
and
● is accepted as such by the community in which they live or
have lived.
2.2 The Stolen Generation
Many people who were removed from their families as children
live in the Canberra community today. They are part of the Stolen
Generation. Identity can be a sensitive issue and some people
are still trying to locate their kin and to reunite with their culture.
SECT ION 2
13
2.3 Terminology
Aboriginal peoples are descendants of the original inhabitants of mainland
Australia and its islands, for example: Tasmania, Rottnest, Magnetic,
Palm, Hinchinbrook, Stradbroke, Fraser, Mornington, Bathurst, Groote
Eylandt and Melville Islands. Researchers say that their ancestors
lived on the mainland for more than 60 000 years. Aboriginal peoples
believe they have always been here since Creation, the beginning of
the Dreaming.1
Aboriginal peoples are the oldest surviving culture in the world, a proud
and prominent fact!
Torres Strait Islanders are descendants of the original inhabitants of the
Torres Strait region which lies between the tip of Cape York Peninsula
and south-west coast of Papua New Guinea. In the last 25 years,
archaeologists working in the Torres Strait have found evidence of
human settlement dating back 2500 years.2
Indigenous peoples is a recognised term in Australia to refer to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people collectively and is used by the United
Nations to refer to Indigenous peoples from all around the world.
Use of capitals. Terms such as ‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander,
and Indigenous should always be written with a capital.
Terms not to use
Aborigine, this is a generic term for the original inhabitant of any country,
however the majority of Aboriginal people today do not use this term as
it is taken to have negative connotations.
Traditional owners. Use traditional custodians, as Aboriginal people and
Torres Strait Islander people have a role to care for and look after the
land and country.
ATSI or TSI. Using the abbreviation for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander should never be used as it is taken as offensive by Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
14
2.4 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples in the ACT
Traditional custodians are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples who have traditional links to the community, are originally
from that area and whose families have had custodial responsibilities
from generation-to-generation over thousands of years.
The Canberra region has been home to the Ngunnawal people
for thousands of years. Evidence of their long occupation exists in
archaeological evidence found at Birrigai Rock Shelter at Tidbinbilla
Nature Reserve, in rock paintings in Namadgi National Park and in
other places throughout the ACT.
When Europeans settled the area in the early 1820s hundreds of
Aboriginal peoples lived in the area, meeting regularly for corroborees
and feasts and then breaking off into smaller bands. Aboriginal
peoples moved about to take advantage of seasonal foods, such as
bogong moths which arrived in their thousands during the summer
months.
Many people come to the ACT for work, education, health and legal
reasons and this has resulted in great diversity within the Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in the ACT as peoples
come from many areas of Australia.
The Heritage Act 2004 also includes provisions for the declaration of
Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs). Under the Act, the
ACT Government is responsible for consulting with RAOs on a range
of matters relating to Aboriginal places and objects in the ACT. There
are currently four RAOs:
● Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation
● Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council
● King Brown Tribal Group
● Ngarigu Currawong Clan.
15
An important and unique food resource for Aboriginal people in the
Canberra area was the Bogong Moth (Agrotis infusa). These moths
spend the summer months in a torpid condition along the mountain
ranges. The moths are highly nutritious, easy to collect and were in
sufficient numbers to warrant large gatherings of Aboriginal people.
These gatherings of different tribes were for initiation ceremonies,
marriage arrangements, corroborees and trade (Flood, 1980).
The ACT has a diverse and ancient record of Aboriginal heritage.
Often it can be discrete and yet abundant, not obvious to the
untrained eye. Thousands of sites have been recorded across
the ACT, with many entered in the ACT Heritage Register.
Isolated artefacts and artefact scatters constitute the majority of
registered places. These represent activities undertaken at what
are commonly referred to as open campsites. Scatters may be the
remains from varied activities, and are most likely to include stone
artefacts (lithics), but in some cases charcoal, animal bone, or ochre
may survive.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2011
The 2011 Census was conducted on 9 August 2011 and measures
the number of people in Australia on Census Night, their key
demographic characteristics, and the dwellings (usual place of
residence) in which they live.
The overall Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population for ACT
and Queanbeyan at 9 August 2011 was 6290.3
More information about Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
activities in the field of Indigenous statistics is available from the
‘People’ topic in the ‘Topics @ a Glance’ section of the ABS website:
www.abs.gov.au.
16
2.5 Welcome to country and Acknowledgement of country4
A Welcome to country is usually performed at significant meetings and events in an
organisation. For example launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan or a community event.
By including Welcome to country and/or Acknowledgement of country into your
organisation’s activities, you are recognising and paying respect to the Aboriginal
peoples on whose country or ancestral land you are meeting on. You will also be
promoting a mutual respect and understanding of Aboriginal peoples and their
cultures to the wider community.
Census 2011 count % of total ACT population
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people (REG)
5184 1.5
ACT population (GCCSA) 356,586
Queanbeyan Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people (LGA)
1139
Queanbeyan population (LGA) 37,991
0–14 years 15–64 years 65 years+
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people by age group breakdown
32.6 64.9 2.1
ACT and Queanbeyan by sex Male Female Total
Aboriginal 3025 2921 5946
Torres Strait Islanders 110 101 211
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 92 69 161
Data provided from Census 2011, ABS
17
Welcome to country
The Welcome to country is a ceremony performed by the traditional
custodians to welcome visitors to country and can also be a way of
informing their ancestors of who they are, and the event taking place.
This is an opportunity to increase your awareness and acknowledge
the Aboriginal peoples on whose country or ancestral land you are
meeting on. Some examples of Welcome to country are a speech
by the traditional custodians (usually an elder), dance, didgeridoo
playing or smoking ceremonies. Where it is not possible or practical
to arrange a Welcome to country, as a general rule it would be
appropriate to do an Acknowledgement of country at the beginning
of your event.
Acknowledgement of country
The Acknowledgement of country is a statement made by the
speaker, usually at the beginning of proceedings, to acknowledge the
traditional custodians of the land on which you are meeting:
I wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we
meet on, [insert name of land here] people, and pay my respect
to their elders, both past and present.
If you are holding an activity in the ACT and wish to acknowledge
the traditional custodians, you may like to make the following
recommended acknowledgement:
I/We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the
land we are meeting on, the Ngunnawal people. I/we wish
to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the
contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
I/We would also like to acknowledge and welcome other
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who may be
attending today’s event.
18
2.6 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Elected Body (ATSIEB)
This representative body was established to enable ACT Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islanders to have a strong democratically
elected voice.
ATSIEB was established under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Elected Body Act 2008 and consists of seven people
representing the interests and aspirations of the local ACT Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
ATSIEB provides direct advice to the ACT Government to improve
the lives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, and
conducts regular community forums to seek advice on priorities
and specific outcomes.
ATSIEB maintains regular contact with the community via
various distributions lists and communication methods, including
chairpersons message, communiqués, media releases and reports.
Postal address Street address
ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Elected Body
c/- Secretariat
Office of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Community Services Directorate
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2601
Secretariat
Level 8, 11 Moore Street
Canberra City ACT 2601
Secretariat
Telephone: 02 6205 2551
Email: atsieb@act.gov.au
Website: www.atsieb.com.au
19
2.7 The United Ngunnawal Elders Council (UNEC)
UNEC is made up of representatives nominated by each of the
Ngunnawal family groups. The council meets up to four times a
year in Canberra at various locations, including community-based
organisations.
Secretariat and administrative support for UNEC is provided by the
ACT Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.
Please contact the secretariat for further details.
Correspondence for UNEC should be addressed as follows:
Postal address Street address
Chairperson
United Ngunnawal Elders Council
C/- Office of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Affairs
GPO Box 158
Canberra ACT 2600
Secretariat
Level 8, 11 Moore Street
Canberra City
Secretariat
Telephone: 02 6207 1667
Email: oatsia@act.gov.au
Website: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/atsia/committees/
ngunnawal_issues
20
2.8 From a national perspective
Month Day Year Event Summary
Jan 26 Common terms
used: Day of
Mourning
Invasion Day
Survival
From 1938 until 1954, the Day of Mourning was held
annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was
known as Aborigines Day. In 1988 Aboriginal people
and their supporters marched to mark the 200th
anniversary of the invasion. The first Survival Concert
was held in 1992.
Jan 26 1972 Aboriginal Tent
Embassy
The Aboriginal Tent Embassy appeared on the lawns in
front of Parliament House, Canberra. The Aboriginal flag
was flown later this year and grew national recognition
as the flag representing Aboriginal people.
Feb 12 1965 Freedom Rides Led by the late Charles Perkins, it exposed to the wider
community, nationally and internationally, the racism
and lack of rights Aboriginal peoples faced.
Feb 13 2008 The Apology Anniversary of the formal apology by the Australian
Government and the Parliament of Australia to
Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples—in particular to the Stolen Generations.
Mar 05 1990 Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
Commission
(ATSIC)
ATSIC is established by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Commission Act 1989 (ATSIC Act) as a means
to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
in the processes of government affecting their lives.
Mar 16 2005 ATSIC
Amendment
Bill
Parliament passed the ATSIC Amendment Bill, repealing
provisions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Act 1989 (Commonwealth) and thereby abolishing the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and its
structures from 30 June 2005.
21
Month Day Year Event Summary
Mar 21 1999 Harmony Day This date coincides with United Nations International
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as a day
to encourage tolerance and understanding between
Australians of all races and cultural backgrounds.
Apr 25 1993 ANZAC Day The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commemorative Ceremony is held after the ANZAC
Day Dawn Service at the Aboriginal Memorial Plaque
on the side of Mount Ainslie. The commemorative
ceremony is conducted to remember those Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have served in
the Australian Forces.
May 26 1998 National
Sorry Day
Is held on the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing
Them Home report to the Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission. Sorry Day is followed by
National Reconciliation Week.
May 27 to
Jun 03
1996 National
Reconciliation
Week
Beginning with the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum,
this week is celebrated with activities across Australia.
The week ends with Mabo Day on 3 June.
May 27 1967 1967
Referendum
Over 90 per cent of Australians voted in a referendum
to remove clauses from the Australian Constitution
which discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Australians. The referendum also gave the
Commonwealth Government the power to make laws
on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
May 28 2000 Peoples Walk for
Reconciliation
250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour
Bridge in a public declaration that ‘Reconciliation is the
work of all Australians.’
22
Month Day Year Event Summary
Jun 03 1992 Mabo Day Commemorates the High Court decision that
recognised the existence of native title rights of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This
decision overturned the myth of terra nullius—that the
continent was empty, unowned land before the arrival of
Europeans in 1788.
Jun 1992 Torres Strait
Islander Flag
The Torres Strait Islander flag was recognised by the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
(ATSIC) and given equal prominence with the Aboriginal
Flag. The flag was designed by Bernard Namok in 1992.
Jun 26 1879 Torres Strait
annexed to
Queensland
The majority of the remaining islands in Torres Strait
were annexed to Queensland, by Letters Patent
from London again, and by an Act in the Legislative
Assembly in Brisbane. Torres Strait had become part of
Queensland.
Jul 01 1871 Coming of the
Light Festival
This is the day the London Missionary Society first
arrived in Torres Strait at Erub Island on 1 July 1871,
introducing Christianity to the region. This is a significant
day for Torres Strait Islanders, who are predominantly
of Christian faith. The festival of religious and cultural
ceremonies is held annually.
Jul NAIDOC Day From 1938 until 1954, the Day of Mourning was held
annually on the Sunday before Australia Day and was
known as Aborigines Day. In 1955 Aborigines Day was
moved to the first Sunday in July after it was decided
the day should also become a celebration of Aboriginal
Culture.
23
Month Day Year Event Summary
Jul—first
Sunday
to
Sunday
1975 NAIDOC Week NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day
Observance Committee; this is a week that celebrates
Aboriginal and Islander peoples and cultures. The week
is marked with different activities, with each year having
a different national theme.
Jul 12 1971 First day
Aboriginal
Flag flown
Designed by Harold Joseph Thomas, a Luritja man from
Central Australia, the Aboriginal flag was first flown in
Adelaide on National Aborigines Day, 12 July.
Jul 14 1995 Flags of
Australia
Both the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander
flag were officially proclaimed by the Australian
Government as ‘Flags of Australia’ under Section 5 of
the Flags Act (1953).
Aug 04 1988 National
Aboriginal
and Islander
Childrens’ Day
The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child
Care established this annual event. Each year the day is
marked with a special theme.
Aug 09 International
Day of the
World’s
Indigenous
People
A day marked to recognise Indigenous history, cultures,
languages, rights and aspirations throughout the world.
It is celebrated with activities highlighting Indigenous
peoples and their culture.
Aug 10 1987 Royal
Commission
into Aboriginal
Deaths in
Custody
Announced after a spate of Aboriginal deaths in
prison and policy custody, hearings began in 1988.
The final report was submitted in April 1991 with 336
recommendations.
24
Month Day Year Event Summary
Aug 14 1963 The Yirrkala
Bark Petitions
The Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land
presented the petitions to the Australian Parliament,
in the form of a bark painting, calling for recognition of
their land rights. The petitions were the first documents
from the Aboriginal people that were recognised by
the Commonwealth Parliament. Currently on display
at Parliament House.
Aug 22 1975 Gurindji
Freedom Day
Prime Minister Gough Whitlam handed deeds to
Vincent Lingiari and poured a handful of earth into his
hand saying: ‘… this land will be the possession of you
and your children forever…’
Sep/
Oct
TBA 1995 The Deadlys The Deadly Sounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Music, Sport, Entertainment and Community Awards is
held in Sydney.
Oct—long
weekend
1971 Koori Knockout Every year on the October long weekend, NSW hosts
the Koori Knockout of Aboriginal Rugby League teams
from all around the state.
Oct 26 1985 Uluru-Kata Tjuta
National Park
‘Handover’
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people attended the
‘Handover’ when Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen
passed over the title deeds at a ceremony at the base
of Uluru. Five minutes later the traditional owners signed
an agreement leasing the park back to the Australian
Parks and Wildlife Service for 99 years.
Dec 09 1976 Aboriginal Land
Rights (Northern
Territory) Act
1976
The first Aboriginal Land Rights Act was passed
in Parliament. The Act recognised Aboriginals as
traditional land owners for the first time in Australian
history and came into force on 26 January 1977.
25
Month Day Year Event Summary
Dec 10 1948 Human
Rights Day
Human Rights Day celebrates the adoption of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since its
adoption in 1948, this declaration has been translated
into 360 languages, showing its universal relevance and
forethought for securing human rights around the world.
Dec 22 1993 Native Title
Act 1993
The Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth) was passed
by Federal Parliament. The Act provides statutory
recognition and protection for the concept of native title
as recognised by the High Court in the case of Mabo v.
The State of Queensland (1992). The Act came into
effect on 1 January 1994.
Dec 23 1996 Wik Decision The High Court of Australia judgement that native
title rights could exist side-by-side with the rights
of pastoralists on cattle and sheep stations. When
pastoralists and Aboriginal rights were in conflict, the
pastoralists’ rights would prevail, giving pastoralists
certainty to continue with grazing and related activities.
26
2.9 The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags5
The Aboriginal Flag
As stated by Mr Harold Thomas:
Black: Represents the Aboriginal
people of Australia.
Red: Represents the red earth, the red
ochre and a spiritual relation to the land.
Yellow: Represents the Sun, the giver of
life and protector.
The Aboriginal flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man
from Central Australia. It was created as a symbol of unity and
national identity for Aboriginal people.
The flag was first flown at Victoria Square in Adelaide on National
Aborigines Day, 12 July 1971. The flag was chosen as the official flag
for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and was first flown there in 1972.
In 1997, the Federal Court of Australia officially recognised Harold
Thomas as the author of the flag. This protects the flag under the
Copyright Act 1968 and so it may be only reproduced in accordance
with this legislation or with the permission of Mr Thomas.
The copyright license for the manufacture and marketing of the
Aboriginal flag has been awarded by Mr Thomas to Carroll and
Richardson Flags. Flags that do not have a white header at the left
side, or flags that do not show the Carroll and Richardson label
could be infringing the copyright owned by Mr Harold Thomas.
27
The Torres Strait Islander Flag
Each part of the flag is designed to represent something about
Torres Strait Islander culture.
Green: Represents the land.
Blue: Represents the sea.
White: Represents peace.
Black: Represents the
Indigenous peoples.
The dhari (headdress) represents Torres Strait Islander people and
the five-pointed star represents the five major Island groups. The star
also represents navigation, as a symbol of the seafaring culture of the
Torres Strait.
The Torres Strait Islander Flag was created in January 1992 as
a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Designed by the late Bernard Namok, it was the winning entry from
a design competition held as part of a Cultural Revival Workshop,
organised by The Islands’ Coordinating Council. The Islands’
Coordinating Council also chose the design as its simplicity would
allow each Torres Strait community to incorporate their own emblem
into the design for local identification.
The flag was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commission in June 1992 and given equal prominence with the
Aboriginal flag.
Further information
On 14 July 1995, both flags were recognised by the Australian
Government as an official ‘Flag of Australia’ under the Flags Act 1953.
For guidance about using the Aboriginal flag, its colours, or the
Torres Strait Islander flag refer to the Commonwealth Flag Officer
(phone 02 6271 5629 or 02 6271 5111) at the Department of Prime
Minister and Cabinet.
28
2.10 From an international perspective
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (the Declaration) is significant because Indigenous
peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, were
involved in drafting it.6
The Declaration is the most significant achievement in the
protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights at the international level.
It is sourced from existing international human rights and it will
inform how these rights apply to Indigenous peoples.
The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for
Indigenous peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in
our identities and life choices.
Self-determination
Self-determination is a central right of the Declaration. It is a
right that distinct groups of people have. All other rights in the
Declaration help to achieve self-determination. Self-determination
means that as a collective:
● We should have a choice in determining how our lives are
governed.
● We should be able to participate in decisions that affect us.
● We should have control over our lives and development.
Exercising the right to self-determination means we have the
freedom to live well and to live according to our values and beliefs.
29
Social Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples7
In Australia, social justice and human rights for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples is grounded in the practical, day-to-day
realities of life. Social justice also means recognising the distinctive
rights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s hold as the
original peoples of this land, including:
● the right to a distinct status and culture, which helps maintain and
strengthen the identity and spiritual and cultural practices of
Indigenous communities
● the right to self-determination, which is a process where Indigenous
communities take control of their future and decide how they will
address the issues facing them
● the right to land, which provides the spiritual and cultural basis of
Indigenous communities.
● www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf
● www.humanrights.gov.au/about/commissioners/aboriginal-and-
torres-strait-islander-social-justice-commissioner
30
References
1 ACT Government, Canberra op. cit.
2 ACT Government, Canberra. op. cit.
3 ABS, 2075.0: Census of Population and Housing—Counts of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2011, ABS,
2012, main+features32011>.
4 ACTCOSS, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Resource
for Community Sector Workers, ACTCOSS, 2012.
5 ACTCOSS, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Resource
for Community Sector Workers, ACTCOSS, 2012.
6 UN General Assembly, UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, adopted 13 September 2007,
DeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples.aspx>.
7 Australian Human Rights Commission, Community Guide to
the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Short
version: Strong cultures, proud people, Australian Human
Rights Commission, 2010, declaration_indigenous/declaration_short_version.html>.
31
Bibliography
The following documents and websites were used in the
development of these protocols:
● 2011 Census Data, ABS, .
● ACTCOSS, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Resource
for Community Sector Workers, ACTCOSS, 2012.
● Australian Human Rights Commission,
.
● Chamberlain, S and Kruger, L, Different Cultures Common
Ground: Guide for engaging respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, Indigenous Lead Centre, TNQIT, 2009,
ATSIP_engagement_guide.pdf>.
● ACT Government, Canberra — ACT Health Directorate website,
.

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