6. ATSI Early Years

Dispossession

Dispossession refers to the period starting from 1788 when British colonists declared Australia as “terra nullius” (land belonging to no one) and took over Aboriginal lands. This led to the loss of land, culture, and autonomy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people1.

Protection

The Protection policy, implemented in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed to “protect” ATSI people by isolating them on reserves and missions. This policy was highly paternalistic and controlled many aspects of their lives, including movement, employment, and marriage12.

Segregation

Segregation policies, overlapping with protection, enforced the separation of ATSI people from the broader Australian society. These policies restricted where ATSI people could live, work, and socialize, often confining them to specific areas or reserves2.

Assimilation

The Assimilation policy, prominent from the 1940s to the 1960s, aimed to absorb ATSI people into the wider Australian community. This policy sought to eliminate ATSI culture and identity, encouraging ATSI people to adopt the customs and norms of the dominant society. It also led to the forced removal of many ATSI children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations12.

Integration

Integration emerged in the 1960s as a policy that recognized the right of ATSI people to retain their cultural identity while participating in Australian society. This policy was a shift from assimilation, allowing for some degree of cultural preservation3.

Self-Determination

The Self-Determination policy, adopted in the 1970s, emphasized the right of ATSI communities to control their own affairs and make decisions about their future. This policy aimed to empower ATSI people by involving them in the decision-making processes that affected their lives31.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is an ongoing process that began in the 1990s, aiming to improve relationships between ATSI and non-Indigenous Australians. It involves acknowledging past injustices, promoting understanding and respect, and working towards equality and justice. Key milestones include the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and the national apology to the Stolen Generations in 20081.