A unique and special place
The Aboriginal Embassy, also known as the Aboriginal Tent Embassy is a permanent protest site established in Canberra. The Embassy was first established on 26 January 1972 when Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Tony Coorey and Bertie Williams sat in protest under an umbrella outside of the then-Parliament House.
The four Aboriginal men were protesting Land Rights. Aboriginal people are the native people of Australia. They had their land stolen when they were colonised by the British.
The Embassy was formed and reformed over the years.
The long-running protest has been successful in attracting attention both within Australia and internationally to the troubles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living under colonial occupation.
It is unique, and is possibly the longest continually running protest in the world.
What are we protesting?
The most prominent issue currently being publisised is Aboriginal sovereignty and the right of self-determination. But there are many other serious issues facing our communities.
Not just a protest site
The Embassy is not just a protest, but is a potent symbol of the resiliance of Aboriginal people. It is an important cultural symbol. It has special, deep and nuanced meaning for Aboriginal people.
It stands as an important symbolic representation that Aboriginal people have never consented to becoming Australian, have never ceded sovereignty over their lands, and have never engaged in a treaty with the British Crown. As a sovereign representative Embassy, it is an important political institution representing the numerous Aboriginal nations who’s peoples and territories are under active colonial occupation.
The Embassy runs in accordance with strict Aboriginal cultural and social protocol, and is a place where people from many nations can come together to meet.
It also stands in solidarity with many other peoples' struggles around the world, many of whom are still being oppressed by colonialism in it's many forms and manifestations.
Contrary to popular misconception, The Embassy receives no Australian Government funding and it is not an Australian institution. It is an independent, grassroots Aboriginal initiative.
Although it is not an Australian institution, it also has a significant place in Australian history. It is listed on the Commonwealth heritage list.
Everyone else has become rich from this country, ripping minerals and resources from the ground. All we're asking for is a bit of our land back. Let's start talking about equity and equality because the colonialists are still benefiting from their arrival to this continent in 1788. We must be talking about Aboriginal Sovereignty. Until Australia is taking action, accountability and responsibility for the genocide, let's talk restitution and reparatory justice.
Location of the Aboriginal Embassy
The Aboriginal Embassy is located on unceded, sovereign Aboriginal land. Australia's second parliament house, known as Old Parliament House, is built across the road.
