20/08/2026
REPOST: Australian Human Rights Commission.
In August 1963, two bark petitions were presented to the Australian Parliament’s House of Representatives. These historic petitions, created by Yolŋu leaders of north-east Arnhem Land, were the first traditional Indigenous documents recognised by the Australian Parliament and marked the beginning of the modern land rights movement in Australia.
The leadership of Mungurrawuy Yunupiŋu and his son, Dr Yunupingu, formed part of a long and unbroken movement for land justice and self-determination, from the Yirrkala Bark Petitions to the Barunga Statement and beyond.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss said the petitions demonstrate that First Peoples have long advocated for recognition of their rights, laws and sovereignty.
'The Yirrkala Bark Petitions show that calls for self-determination, recognition and agreement-making are not new. For generations, First Peoples have fought for recognition of our laws, our rights and our enduring connection to Country.
'The petitions are part of a long legacy of advocacy that continues through milestones such as the Barunga Statement and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Together, they reflect the enduring calls of First Peoples for Voice, Treaty and Truth.
Find out more about the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: https://loom.ly/0C2W5ow
IMAGE: Northern Lands Council (NLC) Chairman Silas Roberts (left) and Gumatj leader and NLC Manager, Galarrwuy Yunupingu with two Yirrkala bark petitions. Image courtesy AIATSIS and Yirrkala community.
