Aboriginal Tent Embassy

Landmark Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

What to expect

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is a permanent protest occupation site that represents the political rights of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people. Established on 26 January 1972, it is the longest continuous protest for Indigenous land rights in the world. The embassy is made up of signs and tents and is located on the lawn opposite Old Parliament House in Canberra. It has been a site of protest and support for grassroots campaigns for the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia, Aboriginal deaths in custody, self-determination, and Indigenous sovereignty. The embassy was established in response to the McMahon government's approach to Indigenous land rights, which offered 50-year general-purpose leases for Aboriginal people but reserved rights to minerals and forestry for the Crown. The goals of the protesters have changed over time and now include not only land rights but also First Nations sovereignty and self-determination

Plan your family visit to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy with these blog insights 👇

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Indigenous experiences in Canberra

Indigenous experiences in Canberra
This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, which is a historically significant site located opposite Old Parliament House

Highlights: The kids found it moving to see the site and learned about the history of the Aboriginal protest movement ✨