The Northern Territory government and traditional owners settle one of the longest native title claims over the Cox Peninsula, about 30 kms west of Darwin. 80% of the area is designated Aboriginal land for the Larrakia people.
Aboriginal law professor Mick Dodson receives the 2009 Australian of the Year award for his life-long commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal people and in helping to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Australian Multicultural Advisory Council launched in order to advise the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on issues relating to the civic and social life of migrants in Australia.
The Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) site is handed back to traditional owners after a 28-year native title battle. Its traditional owners, the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra and Warlpiri people consider Karlu Karlu to be one of the most significant sacred sites.
The High Court of Australia recognises the Yolngu people’s exclusive possession rights over the intertidal zone and tidal waters along the Northern Territory coastline.
Patrick Dodson, Yawuru man from Broome, Western Australia and national Aboriginal leader is awarded the Sydney 2008 Peace Prize, Australia’s only international peace prize. He is only the second Australian to win the prestigious award.
The Australian Government abolishes the Temporary Protection Visa system, meaning that all refugees are instead guaranteed the right to permanent residency.
ANTAR Racism Makes Me Sick campaign launched as a means of bringing awareness to the health Issues facing Indigenous Australians.
National Indigenous Health Equality Summit Community, government and Indigenous representatives meet at Parliament House to sign a declaration on the achievement of health equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
The Commonwealth Government formally apologises to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and particularly to the stolen generations for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on them.