Historical Events tagged with "indigenous"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights in Australia

June 3rd, 1992 32 years ago

The High Court of Australia ruled in favor of Eddie Mabo, acknowledging the land rights of Aboriginal peoples and overturning the doctrine of terra nullius. This landmark case was initiated by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo against the Queensland government, challenging the legal fiction that Australia was land belonging to no one before British colonization. The ruling led to widespread discussions on Indigenous land rights and the implications for land ownership law across the nation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention Enforced

September 5th, 1991 33 years ago

The Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1989, officially became enforceable in 1991. This treaty aims to protect the rights and cultures of indigenous and tribal peoples worldwide, ensuring their participation in decisions affecting their lives. The convention emphasizes their collective rights over land resources and cultural heritage, promoting self-determination and empowerment. It represents a significant step towards global acknowledgment and legal protection for these communities, providing them with a platform to advocate for their interests on an international stage.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Norway Ratifies Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention

June 19th, 1990 34 years ago

Norway became the first country to ratify the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, a significant legal framework focused on the rights of indigenous peoples. This landmark decision came during a period marked by increasing global awareness of indigenous rights and the challenges faced by these communities. The ratification signaled Norway's commitment to uphold international standards protecting indigenous cultures and territories, advocating for their interests on a global stage.

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Military & Warfare

Surinamese Military Assault on Moiwana Village

November 29th, 1986 38 years ago

The Surinamese military conducted an attack on the village of Moiwana during the Suriname Guerrilla War, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 civilians, predominantly women and children. This violence was part of a broader conflict involving the military and guerrilla fighters in the region. The assault highlighted the severe human cost associated with the ongoing strife in Suriname, as civilians became entangled in military operations aimed at suppressing dissent.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Foundation of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation

November 17th, 1983 41 years ago

The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) was established by a group of indigenous Mexicans and leftist activists in Chiapas, Mexico. Their aim was to fight against the Mexican government’s policies that disadvantaged indigenous communities. The group sought to promote social justice, human rights, and political reform, emphasizing the themes of land reclamation and autonomy for indigenous people. The founding leaders included Subcomandante Marcos, who later became the face of the movement. Their formation marked the beginning of a significant social movement that would influence politics and society in Mexico for decades to come.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Wave Hill walk-off by Gurindji people

August 23rd, 1975 49 years ago

The Wave Hill walk-off was initiated by the Gurindji people in response to poor working conditions and land rights issues on Wave Hill Station, a cattle station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, the Gurindji staged a walk-off from the station, demanding not only better wages but also recognition of their traditional land rights. This walk-off lasted for eight years and became a pivotal moment in the struggle for Indigenous rights in Australia, inspiring future advocacy for land restitution and social justice.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

AIM Occupies Wounded Knee in Protest

February 27th, 1973 52 years ago

In a significant act of protest, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized control of the Pine Ridge Reservation town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, demanding the federal government address broken treaties and issues of civil rights for Native Americans. The occupation commenced on February 27 and involved a standoff with federal authorities, drawing national attention to the plight of Indigenous peoples and their struggles against systemic injustices. The occupation lasted nearly 71 days, ending in May of the same year, making it one of the most important actions taken by AIM.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

End of Alcatraz Occupation by Native Americans

June 11th, 1971 53 years ago

The U.S. government forcibly removed the last Native American holdouts from Alcatraz Island, concluding a 19-month occupation that began in November 1969. This occupation was part of a broader movement advocating for Native American rights and sovereignty. Activists, led by the group Indians of All Tribes, sought to reclaim the island as a symbol of oppression and a place for Native American self-determination. The standoff ended with federal authorities enforcing a court order to remove the individuals who remained, marking a significant moment in the history of Native American activism.

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Politics & Government

Nixon Advocates for Native American Self-Determination

July 8th, 1970 54 years ago

In a pivotal address, Richard Nixon articulated the commitment of the U.S. government to Native American self-determination, signifying a transformative shift in federal policy. He emphasized the necessity for tribal nations to govern themselves and manage their own affairs, a significant change from previous policies. Nixon's message laid the groundwork for enhanced federal support and respect for indigenous rights, ultimately contributing to the formulation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, which aimed to provide tribes with autonomy and resources for education and self-governance.

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