In August 1963 members of the clan groups living in the area of Yirrkala sent these petitions to Parliament.
In 1963 the Yirrkala bark petitions were recognised by the Australian Parliament, and are thus the first documentary recognition of Indigenous people in Australian law. These are the first documents bridging Commonwealth law as it then stood, and the Indigenous laws of the land. These petitions from the Yolngu people of Yirrkala were the first traditional documents recognised by the Commonwealth Parliament and are thus the documentary recognition of Indigenous people in Australian law.
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View the resources created for National Reconciliation Week for individuals and churches to stand together to re-imagine our nation and continue to pray, act, and walk for Reconciliation (27 May - 3 June 2020)
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Join in a time of deep listening, learning, and sharing by attending an online event this November.
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