Certificate of Aboriginality
The definition of an Aboriginal person by the Federal Government, (for example, as defined by the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983), is a person who:
- is of Aboriginal descent;
- identifies as an Aboriginal person; and,
- is accepted by the Aboriginal community in which they live.
All of these things must apply. A person’s physical appearance or the way they live, are not requirements.
As a result of such (legal) definitions of Aboriginality, government departments now require Aboriginal people to provide ‘proof of Aboriginality’ to be eligible for any financial or other assistance (Eg. public housing).
Aboriginal people can approach their Local Aboriginal Land Council, or an Aboriginal Community Organisation to apply for a ‘Confirmation of Aboriginality’ or a ‘Certificate of Aboriginality’. Essentially, such documents state that the person is known to identify as an Aboriginal person and is accepted by that community as an Aboriginal person.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act also applies to people who identify themselves as Torres Strait Islanders.
For further information please refer to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council website.
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