Hi,
20 years ago on 3rd June, the Australian Supreme Court ruled that Australia was not, in fact, terra nullius when the colonialists arrived in 1788, and that there always were and are indigenous people who had a rightful claim to their lands that preceded the arrival of white settlers.
There, that wasnt too hard, was it?
The landmark ruling was called the Mabo ruling, in honour of Eddie Mabo, who lead the case to the supreme court on behalf of the Meriam people, and who died of cancer several months before the decision was handed down.
The Australian media is currently full of reflections on what (if any) changes have taken place since the Mabo ruling.
Here's some links to some current articles:
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/native-title-reform-could-go-closer-to-fulfilling-mabos-legacy-20120603-1zpw2.htmlhttp://www.theage.com.au/national/treasured-old-hat-symbolises-strength-at-mabo-reunion-20120603-1zq4n.htmlhttp://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/4045144.html
