Paper short abstract:

In this paper, social changes concerning Aboriginal people in Australia will be examined. In the future, what does it mean to be ‘Indigenous’ for them?

Paper long abstract:

From the 1970s, the settler colonial states such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand among others developed and drive to spread the idea of 'indigenous rights' in international arena. The definite group called 'indigenous' has emerged in various places by the end of 20th century as a result. In many countries the recognition of indigenous identity leave widened.

In Australia, Aboriginal issues are always treated with national interest in current situation and it started to be visible especially since 1970s. In other words, the indigenous issues became one of the main concerns of the country. Although, until very recently, Aboriginal people were treated as second citizen and been excluded from social arena. How these drastic changes happened? And further, what is the future of Aboriginal people as indigenous? In this presentation, I will first talk about general historical changes surrounding Aboriginal people special reference to Yolngu, in northeastern Arnhem Land, Australia. And then to examine the changes experienced by Aboriginal people to discuss what is the meaning and importance for Aboriginal people to become 'Indigenous'.