What is the difference in Aboriginal missions and Reserves?

Aboriginal missions and reserves are both places where Aboriginal people lived in Australia historically. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Missions were typically established by religious organisations, such as the Catholic Church or the Church of England. They were often located in remote areas, and their primary purpose was to convert Aboriginal people to Christianity. Many missions also provided education and healthcare services to Aboriginal people.

Reserves were areas of land set aside by the government for Aboriginal people to live on. They were usually located in less desirable areas, such as desert or scrubland. The purpose of reserves was to segregate Aboriginal people from white settlers and to prevent them from having access to land and resources.

In recent years, the Australian government has moved away from the policies of segregation and assimilation that led to the establishment of missions and reserves. Many missions and reserves have been closed, and Aboriginal people have been given the right to choose where they live and how they live. However, the legacy of these policies continues to affect Aboriginal people today.