Aboriginal activism in the early 20th century refers to the political and social movement of Indigenous Australians who fought for equality, rights, and acknowledgement in the face of pervasive oppression and discrimination. During this time, a new generation of Indigenous activists emerged who aimed to refute the widely held beliefs about Indigenous Australians and their place in society. The significance of this activity lay in the fact that it marked the start of a prolonged and organised campaign to fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples, and that it was a critical turning point in the history of Indigenous-settler relations in Australia.
The 1938 Day of Mourning demonstration ranks as one of the most important moments in early 20th-century Aboriginal agitation. The Australian Aborigines Progressive Association (AAPA) and the Aborigines' League of New South Wales planned this protest, which took place on the 150th anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Australia. The demonstration marked the first time that Indigenous peoples had gathered in such huge numbers to express their collective grievances, and it was a turning point in Australian Indigenous activism history.
…show more content…
First and foremost, it was a potent show of Indigenous solidarity and defiance against the unjust laws and practises of the Australian government. Indigenous peoples were able to challenge the prevailing myths about their position in Australian society by uniting on this day to proclaim their rights and dignity. Second, the demonstration had a tremendous political impact. The protest served as a chance for the AAPA and the Aborigines' League to demand greater acknowledgement of Indigenous peoples' rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own land, and the right to equal treatment under the