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BlackWords Historical Events Calendar
Significant Dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
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Coordinated by BlackWords Team
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  • 1850-1879

    1860

    Victorian Central Board appointed to watch over the interests of Aborigines. In 1869 it is replaced by the Victorian Board for the Protection of Aborigines, soon commonly referred to as the Protection Board. The Protection Board (existed nationally) had the power to remove any child from station families to be housed in dormitories. From 1886, the Board is empowered to apprentice Koori children when they reach 13. Children require permission to visit their families on the stations. The Protection Board is replaced by the Welfare Board in 1957 and abolished in 1967.

    1863

    Labourers from the Pacific Islands introduced to Queensland. 

    1868

    One hundred and fifty Aboriginal people are killed resisting arrest in the Kimberleys, Western Australia.

    First overseas cricket tour leaves Sydney, New South Wales, for England. The team is all Aboriginal.

    1871

    The Coming of the Light commemorates 1 July 1871 when missionary Reverend Samuel MacFarlane arrives in the Torres Straits. 1 July is celebrated annually by Torres Strait Islander people and signifies the coming of Christianity. Many aspects of Christianity are incorporated into the Islanders' existing religious and spiritual ceremonies. There are many celebrations, gatherings and church services by community across the Torres Strait Islands. The re-enactment of the missionaries landing takes place on (Erub) Darnley Island.

    1876

    Truganini, the daughter of Mangerner, Chief of the Recherche Bay people in Tasmania, dies.

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