Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains the accommodation of indigenous people's aspirations in relation to land and political autonomy within the reconciliation process is therefore a central thread of the book for two main reasons. First, the preamble to the enabling legislation identifies colonial dispossession as the source of the conflict and stipulates a desire to 'address progressively indigenous aspirations in relation to land and justice'. Second, indigenous peoples special relationship to their land is such that return of their lands and political autonomy is considered crucial not only to their cultural survival as distinct peoples, but also for their physical and mental well-being and consequently is a key aspiration. The book focus argues the political reality of Australian reconciliation was one of intense resistance to any change in the colonial structures that continue to dominate and subordinate indigenous peoples being a genuine post-colonial exercise.