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Shirley Coleen Smith Essay

975 Words4 Pages

Critically analyse the impact of Civil Rights activists in the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s freedoms in the period 1945-present.

Shirley Colleen Smith

Shirley Colleen Smith had a broad, substantially positive impact on the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s freedoms and rights. Her activism and grapple for First Nations freedoms include her advocation for land rights. Which launched her political action and communication with the then prime minister Gough Whitlam. Ms Smith had a valuable part in increasing First Nations’ freedoms and rights by helping to establish the Tent Embassy. She upheld her commitment to its ideology by speaking at the embassy 26 years later. Her impact was most …show more content…

Created on the 26th of January 1972 after minister William McMahon’s speech that dismissed any hope for Aboriginal land rights and reasserted the government’s position on the policy of assimilation. The Tent Embassy was built under their core points of encouraging indigenous, land rights, and sovereignty and acknowledging their right to self-determination. This movement encouraged nationwide political action to achieve these values. The embassy reminded Australians that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have control over their lives and future including their economic, social, and cultural development. Source 2 depicts Ms Smith’s 1998 speech encouraging and reinforcing the progression of reconciliation and the improvement of First Nations rights and freedoms. This speech encouraged further action around rights and freedoms to take place like land rights given back, respect for cultural locations and the Uluru statement from the heart. These markings of progression Are only possible because the activists like Shirley Coleen …show more content…

As one of the early activists for First Nations rights, she passed the positive wave and locomotive motion for progress for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and freedoms. Her selflessness is a testament to her character and morality. Quite often she would work for organisations, services, and people for no money. Her legacy is one of compassion, struggle, and unwavering dedication to helping others. She was a powerful force for change and a shining example of the strength and resilience of the Aboriginal community. She worked to have land rights given back to its original owners. She helped build countless organisations to create the support, she never had. Shirley Coleen Smith did not only further the rights and freedoms of Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people. She uplifted Australia to be inclusive and respectful of all

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