Aborigines – Contemporary

Issues• Urban problems

• 3/4th Urban dwellers.• about 25% live in Sydney

and Brisbane. Poverty, unemployment, dependency

–Alcoholism, substance abuse

–Police harassment – deaths in custody

Contemp.Issues-2• Stolen Generation

(1931-70s)–Recovery of past–Psychological trauma–Issue of apology

• Land Rights–1975 Racial

Discrimination Act–1976 Aboriginal Lands

Rights Act–1992 Mabo Case

Contemp.Issues-3

• Development• Quest for Reconciliation

(1990s – now)–1991 Council–Membership-and-

remembership = respect–Human rights: justice,

equality–Economic rights: pay own

way, legal equality–Recognition of mutual identity

Aborigine contribution to the Society

• Cultural tourism

• Indigenous arts, leadership in sports, public services