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Vincent Lingiari famously given back Gurindji tribe lands by Prime Minister of Australia Gough Whitlam in 1972 after the Wave Hill walkoff. Courtesy of National Archives of Australia.

Land rights

The modern land rights movement dates back to 1963.

Overlooking the Timber Creek township photo

Timber Creek compensation case

The Timber Creek compensation case is one of the most important Native Title Decisions since the historic Mabo ruling in 1992.
Eddie Koiki Mabo

Eddie Koiki Mabo

Edward Mabo was a key plaintiff in Australia’s most famous land rights case.
Eddie Mabo, from Land Bilong Islanders. Courtesy of Trevor Graham-Yarra Bank Films.

Mabo case

The Mabo Case recognised the land rights of the Meriam people.

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia

The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia is an attempt to represent all the language, tribal or nation groups of the Indigenous people of Australia.
Old Mission at Brewarrina

Mapping NSW Aboriginal Missions, Stations, and Camps 1883-1969

This interactive map of New South Wales Aboriginal Missions, Stations and Camps identifies the locations and provides information about Aboriginal reserves, camps, stations, children’s homes, and some unofficial settlements operating under the tenure of the Aborigines Protection Board during its active years.

International Women's Day poster 2018

International Women's Day posters

Over the years, we have produced an International Women’s Day poster that features an inspirational image from the AIATSIS Collection or a prominent role model in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Indigenous Australian Language

Indigenous Australian Languages

Language is more than just a means to communicate, it is an essential characteristic that makes people and communities unique, and plays a central role in a sense of identity.
Laurie Baymarrwaŋa photo

Laurie Baymarrwaŋa

Laurie ​Baymarrwaŋa ('big boss') was an Aboriginal elder from the Crocodile Islands who was instrumental in preserving Yan-nhangu language
Dr June Oscar

On International Women's Day 2017, AIATSIS honours Dr June Oscar AO

The UN Women National Committee’s theme for International Women Day’s 2017, Empower a woman, empower a nation, is about transforming the lives of women and girls through empowerment.

Last reviewed: 25 Oct 2019