...social and cultural background to the Park. This context is necessary to be able to assess claims that the World Heritage area is under threat. The chapter describes: • • • • • • • The history of the Park The fact that from its beginnings the Park co-existed with Aboriginal land owning interests, mining interests, and tourism interests The history of the town of Jabiru and the mechanisms to ensure that it does not harm the values of the Park The history of the mining enclaves located in the region The management principles of Kakadu National Park The role of traditional owners in the Park Its inscription on the list of World Heritage Only with the full appreciation of the way in which Kakadu National Park came into existence and was entered onto the World Heritage listing in three stages, is it possible to assess the impact of the Jabiluka proposal on the overall values and attributes of Kakadu National Park. 2.1 2.1.1 KAKADU—THE PLACE History of the Park Aboriginal people have been associated with the area of land now known as Kakadu National Park for a very long time. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have lived in the Kakadu region continuously from around 50 000 years before the present; the earliest date that humans are believed to have arrived in Australia (Roberts and Jones 1994, Roberts et al 1990). Aboriginal people believe that they were placed in this land at the time of the first people by creation figures such as Non-indigenous people the Rainbow...
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...For many young Australians, little knowledge is known about Aboriginal issues. The Stolen Generations is a historical series of events well known to many young Australians. It was important as many Australian Government bodies, alongside with other establishments, were removing children from Aboriginal families and putting them into foster homes. It was expected to cause a disconnection of the culture and structure of Aboriginal clans. From tutorials and lectures, I think that Indigenous issues are often misunderstood. I understood lecture material as providing insight into surviving problems due to the Stolen Generations. This was seen with a disconnection from land and country, and a loss of identity for Indigenous Australian. This had led...
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...Modern Aboriginal issues, like the Ipperwash Crisis, are a result of century old conflicts between First Nations people and Europeans. Throughout their contact, Europeans and First Nations have had conflicting interests and ideals regarding political, economic and spiritual topics (Hedican, 2013, p. 52). For example, the use of land was very significant to both groups but in vastly different ways. One of the main reasons why Europeans found the New World was for resources and land. They saw the physical environment as raw materials. However, the First Nations people consider the physical environment part of their spirituality and culture. They did not see it as a resource, but rather as a system they were connected to. Different viewpoints on the use of land made it difficult for the Canadian government to allocate it effectively. The conflicts surrounding the use of land continue today and spark events like the Ipperwash Crisis....
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...is an Aboriginal Australian lawyer, academic and land rights activist. Since the end of the 1990s his focus has encompassed a range of issues: he has strongly argued that Indigenous policy needs to change direction, notably in relation to welfare, substance abuse, child protection, education and economic development. Why Noel Pearson personally is grateful to Gough Whitlam “In June 1975, the Whitlam government enacted the Aboriginal and Torres...
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...Government Ministries and Agencies Short Assignment Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada February 24th, 2015 I Responsibilities Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada is one of the federal government departments responsible for meeting the Government of Canada's obligations and commitments to First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Through these responsibilities, AANDC helps to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada role is to support Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and Northerners in their efforts to: * improve social well-being and economic prosperity; * develop healthier, more sustainable communities; and * participate more fully in Canada's political, social and economic development – for the benefit of all Canadians. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada funds five social programs. It aims to assist First Nation individuals and communities to become more self-sufficient; protect individuals and families at risk of violence; provide prevention supports that allow individuals and families to better care for their children; and support greater participation in the labour market. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) supports First Nation communities in the implementation of strong, effective and sustainable governments. Research has shown that effective governance is the single...
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...of the Murray Islands, Queensland (part of crown land) It provided public acknowledgement of Aboriginal spirituality and their connection to the land was recognised This overturned “terra nullius” (land belonging to no one) and made it possible for other Aboriginal tribes to claim land rights as it led to the Native Act (1993) NATIVE TITLE (1993) Native Title was an act of Parliament put into Australian Law which recognised the validity of Aboriginal territorial laws that existed prior to European settlement. It provided for land claims which must be supported by proof...
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...The Mabo case was initially seen as a revolution in Australian Law, but its legal effects have turned out to be largely illusory. Discuss this statement The Mabo vs. Queensland case was the first major land title claim made by Indigenous Australians for their traditional lands. When the Mabo case was resolved it was seen as a landmark decision by the High Courts and was an was the start of other of cases native title claims to be made against the States and territories. This was evident with the Wik case that followed in the years after Mabo. In order to determine the effect that the Mabo case has had on Australian Law and subsequent cases we need to look into the details of the case, what judgement was made, and how that judgement came about. Then the details of the judgement can be used to look at other decisions like Wik, and how the legislations and proceeding acts have been introduced. Discussed also will be the potential effect that the Mabo case had, not only with land rights and native title issues, but also to help with the reconciliation of the displaced aboriginal people upon British settlement. As you will read later there was a lot of potential for the governments of the day to use these decisions, but there was great reluctance to protect themselves and other members Australia. We can begin by having a look in further details of firstly the Mabo vs. The State of Queensland case, then the Wik vs. The State of Queensland case. You will note that although...
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...Inextricably linked to the land * Ceremonialism Dreamtime: Time of creation of all things Dreaming: Individuals or groups set of beliefs or spirituality Spirituality Consists of: * Kinship * Ceremonial life * Obligations to land and people (as a result of societal values) Kinship Highly sophisticated networks of relationships that govern interactions between members of language groups Define where a person fits into the community, binding people together in relationships of sharing and obligation Central to the way culture is passed on and society is organised Dynamic and provides a framework for living Defines roles and responsibilities for raising and educating children Provides systems of moral and financial support within the community Influences the social relationships and governs many aspects of everyday behaviour Ceremonial Life Dreaming ceremonies are conducted in the form of song and dance with the use of body parts and a spectacle of lights and costumes Preparation considered part of ceremony Men and women have different roles Different ceremonies in different cultural groups 4 Types: * Rite of passage * Information * Personal * Spiritual Initiation Ceremony Teaches about law and beliefs Allows young person to take their place as an elder Can last years Funeral Ceremonies Number of aspects Wake or celebration after the ceremony Dead person goes back to ancestors land Celebration Ceremonies Celebrate...
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...The 'Stronger futures' legislation is currently ineffective in protecting the human rights of indigenous peoples and communities in the Northern Territory and needs specific reform in order to protect human rights in the future. This essay will evaluate the political, social and economical effects of the intervention through legal issues, stakeholder perspectives and responses in regards to the potency of the 'Stronger Futures' regulation and suggest recommendations in order to protect aboriginal peoples rights and culture rather than violate them. The 'Stronger Futures' policy is a multifaceted social policy of the Australian government concerning the aboriginal population of the Northern Territory. The legislation was based upon the little...
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...Aboriginal People and Its History Significant historical events : Australia was first invaded by European in 1788. At that time, the population of Aboriginal people is 750,000. After the arrival of Europeans, the country was once called Terra nullius' which means ' No one's Land.' Aboriginal people's life focuses a lot on kinship with natural environment. They have great talents in maximizing the use of natural resources by growing their own food and vegetables to make a living. Because the natural resources are abundant at that time, people have more leisure time and they develop richness and complexity in their culture and languages. There are some key historical events for Aboriginal people: In 1967, The Commonwealth Government allowed...
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...presence in Canada, aboriginal peoples remained steadfast in their traditional way of life while their culture was unfazed. In actuality, although aboriginals fought for their rights and preservation of their lifestyle, European influence undoubtedly changed what it meant to be an aboriginal person. The passion that aboriginal peoples had for their culture did not suffice when the Europeans presented them with new resources and the promise of trade and commerce. As the Europeans began their settlement in 1492, they alienated land that aboriginal peoples had been occupying and thriving off of for thousands of years. As the number of new immigrants soared, aboriginal culture was dictated through laws and policies set by Europeans. Their land was being used for purposes contradicting their beliefs and aboriginal peoples across the nation began to conform to European practices. The promises of wealth and new tools led to trading with the Europeans, which required the adaptation of aboriginal cultures and practices to satisfy the demands of settlers. Even with much protest, aboriginal religion was affected by the constant pressures to conform to the Catholic Church by the French, mirrored by the British who pushed Christianity. European settlers brought with them illnesses previously unknown to aboriginal peoples, who were unable to combat disease as it wreaked havoc on almost every band across North America. As the Europeans began their quest to colonize the mysterious land of Canada, they...
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...Is the Australian government effectively making alterations within the Australian Legal System for the benefit of Indigenous Australians? Introduction The Indigenous Australian population consists of people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Prior to European settlement in 1788, Australia was occupied by over 750, 000 Indigenous Australians who spoke 700 languages between them. However, the number of Indigenous people in Australia has transformed since the devastating impact the European settlers had on Australia’s indigenous Australians. They were exposed to new diseases and violent conflicts resulting in a significant number of deaths. Consequently, today Indigenous Australians make up only 2% of the entire Australian population. In 1788, the European colonists settled into Australia as James Cook enforced the doctrine of terra nullius because he believed that it was, ‘no one’s land’ during his journey around Australia in 1770. The cultures of the Indigenous Australians have changed over the past 227 years, as the European colonists of Australia caused very prompt changes to the Aboriginal society and the ways in which they lived. Whilst a number of alterations have been made to the Australian Legal System for the benefit of the Indigenous Australians, they continue to fight to have their rights documented and acknowledged by the Government and the people of Australia. This paper will evaluate the arguments...
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...There has been an abundance of injustices suffered by the original owners of our land which still continue to this day but since WW2, which occurred from 1939-1945, Indigenous Recognition has been one of the rapidly changing important issues in Australian society. Although there has been a shift towards recognition, which has helped to shape this nation into a more diverse and accepting nation, we have still not come far enough to Recognition. Indigenous Recognition is defined as having a voice to parliament, treaties and truth telling in history. Before WW2, Indigenous people were not spoken about, their recognition was minimal, and most Australians did not fully understand the horrific events they had endured. Our contemporary nation has...
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...Aboriginal Rights What are Aboriginal rights? Aboriginal rights are collective rights which flow from Aboriginal peoples’ continued use and occupation of certain areas. They are inherent rights which Aboriginal peoples have practiced and enjoyed since before European contact. Because each First Nation has historically functioned as a distinct society, there is no one official overarching Indigenous definition of what these rights are. Although these specific rights may vary between Aboriginal groups, in general they include rights to the land, rights to subsistence resources and activities, the right to self-determination and self-government, and the right to practice one’s own culture and customs including language and religion. Aboriginal rights have not been granted from external sources but are a result of Aboriginal peoples’ own occupation of their home territories as well as their ongoing social structures and political and legal systems. As such, Aboriginal rights are separate from rights afforded to non-Aboriginal Canadian citizens under Canadian common law. European Settlement and Aboriginal struggles Aboriginal people have a long and proud history that includes rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Many of these traditions, however, were altered or even taken away upon the arrival of European settlers. The forced introduction of European culture and values to Aboriginal societies, the dispossession of Aboriginal lands, and the imposition of alien modes of governance...
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...grassroots political undertaking of a large group of Canadian Aboriginal people which consist of First Nations, Inuit’s and Metis. The primary focus of the movement is on Indigenous rights and environmental protection. It began as a fairly small group in Canada, but rapidly became international in scale essentially from rapid proliferation through the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter (OJEN, n.d.). The movement has also attracted a great deal of attention in the Canadian national and local mainstream media, through rallies, protests, teach-ins and direct political actions. Political actions such as flash mobs and round dances around the country protested against omnibus Bill C-45 (currently known as the Jobs and Growth act, 2012) that was introduced and announce by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2012 without consulting the Indigenous peoples (OJEN, n.d.). The vision of Idle No More is to “call on all people to join in a peaceful revolution, to honour Indigenous sovereignty, and to protect the land and water” (idlenomore.ca, n.d.). The Idle No More manifesto contends that “the state of Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world by using the land and resources. Canadian mining, logging, oil and fishing companies are the most powerful in the world due to land and resources. Some of the poorest First Nations communities (such as Attawapiskat) have mines or other developments on their land but do not get a share of the profit” (idlenomore.ca, n...
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