Mass poisonings of Aboriginal Australians

Aboriginal boys - NTL 39854

Mass poisonings of Aboriginal Australians

Mass poisonings of Aboriginal Australians refer to incidents where a large number of Aboriginal Australians were deliberately or accidentally exposed to toxic substances resulting in illness or death. These tragic events have had devastating impacts on Indigenous communities and have been a dark chapter in Australian history.

History

Mass poisonings of Aboriginal Australians have occurred throughout history, often as a result of deliberate actions by settlers or government authorities. One of the most infamous incidents was the Coniston massacre in 1928, where a large number of Aboriginal people were killed in retaliation for the alleged killing of a dingo. Poisoning of water sources and food supplies was a common tactic used to displace or eliminate Indigenous populations.

Impact

The mass poisonings had severe consequences for Aboriginal communities, leading to loss of lives, displacement from traditional lands, and long-term health effects. Many Indigenous people continue to suffer from the intergenerational trauma caused by these events.

Response

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to acknowledge and address the legacy of mass poisonings of Aboriginal Australians. Efforts are being made to document these incidents, provide support to affected communities, and promote healing and reconciliation.

See also

• Aboriginal deaths in custody
• Stolen Generations
• Indigenous Australian health