Aborigines

• How have the Aborigines been discriminated in the past?

Aborigines are the modern descendants of the first people to live in Australia.

Their name comes from the Latin phrase ab origine, which means "from the beginning". Most early European colonists considered the Aborigines primitive. Because Aborigines are dark skinned, Europeans believed that they were superior to them. When Europeans arrived, Aborigines had complex cultural, political and economic rules and beliefs. Europeans though, did not initially understand or appreciate these elaborate social systems.

During the first 150 years of European settlement, many Aborigines were killed in skirmishes across the country, poisoned by the settlers, or died of deseases which came from the Europeans. Others were forced into government or missionary settlements.

• How has the Australian government tried to improve their lives?

Aborigines today are regarded as Australian citizents. Yet, many of them still face descrimination and prejudice and have no economical, social or political privileges. Prior to the 1930's, the government thought that the Aboriginal population would die out as settlers moved onto their land. The children who had both European and Aboriginal ancestry were taken from their families and put in institutions, missions, and foster homes. These people became known as the Stolen Generation. From the 1930's through the 1960's, the government sought to assimilate (incorporate) Aborigines into the country's economic, social, and political life. They discouraged the Aborigines of social practices, religious observances, even cultural beliefs.

In the late 1960's, the government's policy of assimilation was fought by Aboriginal activists. In 1976, the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act was passed by the government, and allowed Aboriginal groups in the Northern Territory to reclaim their traditional lands. In 1980, the government formed the Aboriginal Development Commission. This commission, which Aborigines have made up, manages lands regained by Aboriginal groups makes loans to Aboriginal businesses. Today, Aborigines in Australia live just like every other Australian citizent and blend traditional and contemporary lifestyles and practices.

by Konstantinos Lampropoulos