The first Australians are known as Aborigines, the word "aboriginal" meaning "native". They are estimated to have populated Australia for around 50,000 years, or roughly 200 times longer than "white" Australians have been here. During the early parts of Australian settlement, and even up to the 1960's, Aborigines were displaced and persecuted as part of Australia's settlement, mostly by european settlers. They were not considered human, were used as forced labour, and in the early years of settlement could be legally killed without reason. Attempts were made to convert Aborigines to common european religions, which included removing Aboriginal childern from their parents to attempt to bring them up to follow white society. These children are now referred to as the stolen generation. In recent decades, the tide has turned for Australias remaining Aboriginal population. The historic Mabo decision in the Australian high court acknowledged the land rights of Aborigines, and many land claims are now being processed. Formal apologies from the Australian Government have not been offered to the Aboriginal people and it is unlikely this will occur. May all those who have suffered heal and be able to forgive those who have harmed them.

The First "Australians"