40 years of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
On the smallest of actions, the fewest words, and the least amount of planning, the history of a nation can be turned.
The founding of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at Old Parliament House in Canberra was such an event in Australia's history and it remains a powerful symbol of the Indigenous fight for recognition and rights.
When Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Tony Coorey and Bertie Williams left Sydney for Canberra on January 25, 1972, they weren't planning to change the world and they never expected to make an indelible mark in history or a noise so loud it continues to echo down generations.
The four Aboriginal men established the Embassy by planting a beach umbrella on the lawn in front of what is now Old Parliament House.
It was in response to the McMahon Coalition Government's refusal to recognise Aboriginal land rights.
Michael Anderson, the last surviving of the four, says the Embassy saw Aboriginal people turn the tables on colonial occupation of Aboriginal land.
The National Indigenous Radio Service celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy by presenting candid interviews with three of its earliest members.
NIRS journalist Michael Stewart speaks with Embassy co-founder Michael Anderson and early members Tiga Bayles (pictured, circa 1972) and Sam Watson about the first years, the impacts the Embassy had back then, the legacy it leaves today and the effects it had on their lives personally.
Click here to listen to Michael Anderson
Click here to listen to Sam Watson
Click here to listen to Tiga Bayles |
