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Indigenous, Indian, and Aboriginal Law

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Washington International Law Journal

2006

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Australia's "New Arrangements In Indigenous Affairs": A New Approach Or A New Paternalism?, Joshua M. Piper Feb 2006

Australia's "New Arrangements In Indigenous Affairs": A New Approach Or A New Paternalism?, Joshua M. Piper

Washington International Law Journal

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (“ATSIC”) opened its doors in 1990 with the main objectives of advising the Australian Commonwealth Government (“Government”) on Indigenous policy and providing services for Indigenous communities and individuals. Fifteen years later, with Indigenous living standards still well behind other Australians, the Government deemed ATSIC a failure and abruptly gutted and abolished the Commission. At the same time, the government transitioned to its New Arrangements in Indigenous Affairs program (“New Arrangements”). The New Arrangements are based on two fundamental ideas: better coordination between governments and agencies; and, most important, engaging and empowering Indigenous communities …


Using International Law More Effectively To Secure And Advance Indigenous Peoples' Rights: Towards Enforcement In U.S. And Australian Domestic Courts, John D. Smelcer Feb 2006

Using International Law More Effectively To Secure And Advance Indigenous Peoples' Rights: Towards Enforcement In U.S. And Australian Domestic Courts, John D. Smelcer

Washington International Law Journal

Over the past three decades, indigenous peoples have effected a remarkable redefinition of their status and rights under international law, giving rise to an emerging distinct customary international law of indigenous peoples’ rights. Though that process is ongoing, the next critical step is enforcing these congealing rights “at home” in the domestic courts of indigenous peoples’ surrounding nations. Australia and the United States provide the most difficult and most revealing contexts in which to explore the possibilities and limitations of this necessary next step. The direct enforcement of the emerging customary international law of indigenous peoples’ rights is not yet …