Citizenship› Part 1› Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples
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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples

At the citizenship ceremony, you pledge your loyalty to Australia and its people. It is important to understand Australia's community, including our Indigenous heritage — the foundation of this country's identity.

Who are the First Peoples?

Australia's first inhabitants are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have the oldest continuous cultures and traditions in the world.

Historically, Aboriginal people are from mainland Australia and Tasmania. The archaeological record indicates that Aboriginal peoples arrived in Australia between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago; however, Aboriginal peoples believe they are central to the creation stories of this land, and their creation stories commence with the beginning of time.

Torres Strait Islander people are from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. They are a distinct group with their own unique culture, traditions, and identity.

Key Fact: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are the oldest continuous cultures in the world — dating back at least 65,000 years.

Connection to the Land

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have age-old beliefs and traditions that still guide them today. They have a deep connection with the land, which is expressed through their stories, art, and dance.

This spiritual connection to the land is central to Indigenous identity. The land is not simply a resource — it is part of who they are, woven into their creation stories, ceremonies, and daily life.

Indigenous cultures are diverse — there are hundreds of different language groups and cultural traditions across Australia. Despite this diversity, Indigenous cultures are a fundamental and important part of Australia's national identity.

Key Fact: There are more than 100 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages still spoken today. Indigenous connection to the land is expressed through stories, art, and dance.

Cultural Diversity Within Indigenous Australia

It's important to understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not one single group. They comprise many different nations, each with their own:

Languages — over 100 distinct languages are still spoken. Traditions — each group has unique ceremonies, dances, and stories. Art forms — from rock art dating back tens of thousands of years to modern contemporary art. Laws and governance — traditional law systems that have governed communities for millennia.

The diversity of Indigenous cultures makes Australia's heritage extraordinarily rich and unique in the world.

Population & Recognition

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make up approximately 3% of the Australian population.

It was not until a Referendum in 1967 that more than 90% of Australians voted to include Aboriginal peoples in official population counts. Before this, they were not counted in the Census.

Today, Indigenous Australians are recognised as the First Peoples of Australia, and their culture, traditions, and contributions are acknowledged as central to the nation's identity.

Key Fact: The 1967 Referendum — where over 90% voted 'Yes' — allowed Aboriginal peoples to be included in Census counts for the first time.

Key Points to Remember

Quick Check

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Question 1 of 5
How long have Aboriginal peoples lived in Australia?
Why it matters: The archaeological record shows Aboriginal peoples arrived between 65,000 and 40,000 years ago, making Indigenous Australian cultures the oldest continuous cultures in the world. This is a frequently tested fact.
Question 2 of 5
Where are Torres Strait Islander peoples originally from?
Why it matters: Torres Strait Islander people are a distinct group from Aboriginal peoples. They come from the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The test distinguishes between the two groups.
Question 3 of 5
How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples express their deep connection with the land?
Why it matters: Indigenous Australians express their deep connection to the land through stories, art, and dance. These cultural expressions are central to their identity and have been maintained for tens of thousands of years.
Question 4 of 5
What happened in the 1967 Referendum?
Why it matters: The 1967 Referendum was a landmark moment where over 90% of Australians voted 'Yes' to allow Aboriginal peoples to be counted in the Census. Before 1967, they were excluded from official population counts.
Question 5 of 5
What is true about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?
Why it matters: Indigenous cultures are diverse — not one single culture. There are over 100 distinct languages still spoken. They are recognised as the oldest continuous cultures in the world, and are an important part of Australia's national identity.

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