Land

Introduction

Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples are together the traditional owners of all land and waters in Australia. Different parts of the country are the home lands of different Indigenous communities and individuals, who are the descendants of the first peoples.

The struggle for the recognition of land rights began with the onset of colonialism in 1788 and continues today, despite over two hundred years of dispossession and displacement. Time and time again, Indigenous people have called upon governments, industries and the wider community to recognise their distinct status as the traditional landowners of Australia.

Indigenous people never gave up their inherent rights and interests in land when Australia was settled in 1788 and achieving land justice is the most fundamental aspect of unfinished business. The right to control traditional lands is an important base for overcoming other forms of disadvantage and oppression.

The importance of land to Indigenous people has long been misunderstood by non-Indigenous people. Land is central to the spiritual, economic, social, and political well being of Indigenous people and is the basis of culture, heritage and identity. Non-recognition and protection of land by Australian jurisdiction is at the heart of the suffering and disadvantage felt by Indigenous people in this country.