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The Yirrkala Bark Petitions and Australian Democracy | WEA Sydney

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Print this page The Yirrkala Bark Petitions and Australian Democracy

Australian History Courses
Discover how the Yirrkala Bark Petitions helped reshape Australian democracy, land rights and First Nations political resistance.

Available Classes

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The Yirrkala Bark Petitions are among the most important documents in Australian history, yet many Australians know little about them. This course tells the story of how Yolngu leaders in Arnhem Land responded when mining proceeded without consultation, and how that act of resistance changed the national conversation.

Drawing on Claire Wright’s Näku Dhäruk, The Bark Petitions, the course explores Yolngu systems of governance, accountability and decision-making, and follows the petitions’ long legacy through land rights struggles and later legal developments. A powerful course for NAIDOC Week and beyond.

DELIVERY MODE

  • Face to face
  • Online

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Yolngu country, customs & care
  • Background to the 1931 Arnhem Land Reserve & Yolngu interactions with government
  • 1950s Northern Territory minerals discoveries
  • 1960s Nabalco bauxite mining operation is set up in secret
  • 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions & the birth of land rights movement
  • Legal timeline from 1968 NT Supreme Court to 2025 High Court of Australia
  • National significance of Yolngu parliament, decision making & actions
  • Where is the land rights claim now?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students should be able to: 

  • Appreciate Yolngu country, customs & care
  • Understand significant moments in the history of Yolngu resistance, for example 1931 Arnhem Land Reserve
  • Appreciate the significance of the 1950s minerals discoveries in post war Australia
  • Identify the impact of the 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions as the birth of land rights movement
  • Track key legal moments from 1968 to 2025
  • Appreciate Yolngu democratic structures - parliament, constitution and practices

COURSE RESOURCES