What is a champion of Aboriginal rights?

An Aboriginal rights champion is someone who works to promote and protect the inherent rights of Aboriginal peoples in Australia. These rights include the right to self-determination, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to equal treatment under the law, the right to culture, the right to language, the right to education, the right to health, and the right to land and resources.

Aboriginal rights champions may work in a variety of roles, including as advocates, educators, lawyers, politicians, and community leaders. They may also be members of Aboriginal communities who are working to ensure that the rights of their people are respected and protected.

Some well-known Aboriginal rights champions in Australia include:

- Eddie Mabo: Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander who led the landmark Mabo v Queensland (No 2) case in the High Court of Australia. This case recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had native title rights over their traditional lands and waters, overturning the doctrine of terra nullius.

- Noel Pearson: Pearson is an Aboriginal lawyer, academic, and activist. He has been a leading voice in Aboriginal affairs for many decades and has worked to promote the rights of Aboriginal peoples in a number of different ways, including through his work with the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership.

- Marcia Langton: Langton is an Aboriginal academic, author, and activist. She has written extensively on Aboriginal rights, history, and culture. Langton is also a vocal critic of the Australian government's policies on Aboriginal affairs.

- Pat Dodson: Dodson is an Aboriginal academic, lawyer, and activist. He has held a number of high-profile positions in Aboriginal affairs, including as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner from 1999 to 2011. Dodson has also been a leading advocate for Aboriginal rights in a number of different international fora.

These are just a few of the many Aboriginal rights champions who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Aboriginal rights in Australia. Their work has helped to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a number of different ways, and they continue to be a source of inspiration for people all around the world.