Charles Darwin University (CDU) tomorrow celebrates Mabo Day, the 15th anniversary of the High Court of Australia’s decision to recognise Native Title in Australia.
CDU’s Indigenous Academic Support Unit will host the celebrations, which will include a presentation by Murray Island Elder Mr Doug Bon.
Mr Bon will talk about his ideas for land and equity for Indigenous people in Australia and the journey of the Murray Island Torres Strait Islander people before, during and after the Mabo Native Title Resistance Movement.
Mr Bon was born and grew-up on Murray Island, in the Torres Strait Islands and was one of three Indigenous students, after the Second World War, to be awarded scholarships to complete secondary schooling in Townsville.
In the last fifty years Mr Bon has worked for the Queensland Government and in community-based organisations. The civil and human rights issues he encountered through his career have significantly influenced his ideas about land and equity for Indigenous Australians.
In addition to Mr Bon’s presentation the CDU Mabo Day Celebrations will also be marked by cultural performances by the Murray Islander Mer Peibre Dance Troupe and a traditional Murray Islander Kaikai luncheon.
Celebrations will commence with the presentation by Mr Bon at 10:30am at CDU's Casuarina Campus, Building 30, with lunch and dance troupe performances from 11:30am.
For more formation contact Cynthia Coyne on 8946 6339 or email cynthia.coyne@cdu.edu.au.