Jack Patten: A Luminary In The Fight For Indigenous Rights And Empowerment

In the mosaic of Australia’s history, certain individuals emerge as beacons of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to equity. Among these figures, Jack Patten stands tall—a luminary whose influence in the quest for Indigenous rights continues to reverberate through time.

The Early Years: Seeds of Activism

Born in 1905 at Cummeragunja Mission, Jack Patten’s upbringing laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to advocacy. His parents and maternal grandfather instilled in him the value of education, resilience, and a deep sense of justice. These formative years amidst the Murray River instilled in Patten an acute awareness of the hardships faced by Indigenous communities—a realisation that would shape his future endeavors.

Championing Change

Patten’s journey was multifaceted. From his formative years attending mission and state schools to his experience during World War I with the Junior Red Cross, his life experiences equipped him with an acute sense of organisational skills and a burning desire to confront societal injustices.

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Selina Avery and the Bundjalung People

Patten’s life took a pivotal turn when he met and married Selina Avery, a Bundjalung woman, in 1931. Their union became a catalyst for his impassioned advocacy. Witnessing the dire poverty and exclusion faced by the Bundjalung community at Clarence River Aboriginal settlement in Baryulgil galvanised Patten into action. He intervened to ensure the education of excluded children, showcasing an early display of his commitment to effecting tangible change.

Trailblazing Activism and Leadership

The 1930s marked a watershed era in Patten’s life. Settling in Sydney’s La Perouse, Patten encountered influential political figures, including Michael Sawtell and Percy Reginald Stephensen. Recognising an opportunity to amplify the plight of Indigenous people, Patten’s persuasive oratory skills made him a captivating public speaker. He used platforms like the Domain to articulate the challenges faced by Aboriginal communities and became a prolific writer on matters pertaining to Indigenous rights.

Aborigines Progressive Association and Groundbreaking Advocacy

Patten’s collaboration with fellow activist William Ferguson led to the formation of the Aborigines Progressive Association (APA) in 1937, marking a seminal moment in the struggle for Indigenous rights. Patten’s extensive travels across southern Queensland to western Victoria, advocating for Aboriginal rights and collecting narratives of suffering, underscored his tireless commitment to the cause. His testimony before a Legislative Assembly select committee illuminated the bureaucratic inertia affecting Indigenous communities and amplified calls for reform.

The Historic Aboriginal Day of Mourning

On January 26, 1938, Patten, alongside Ferguson and in conjunction with William Cooper, orchestrated the pivotal Aboriginal Day of Mourning. This historic event provided a platform to articulate grievances, culminating in the presentation of the groundbreaking ’10-point plan for Citizens Rights’ to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. This document, a testament to Patten’s visionary leadership, remains an enduring artifact of the fight for Indigenous rights, exhibited today at the Melbourne Museum.

Cummeragunja Walk-Off: Defiance and Symbolism

Patten’s pivotal role in the Cummeragunja walk-off in 1939 marked an act of defiance against the mismanagement and dire conditions at the mission. Despite facing arrest, the walk-off stood as a powerful symbol of Aboriginal resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

Service, Sacrifice, and Resilience

As World War II loomed, discriminatory military regulations barred Aboriginal people from enlisting. Patten’s advocacy led to policy changes, allowing Indigenous enlistment. He served in Palestine and Egypt before a war injury led to his discharge in 1942. Post-war, Patten confronted personal tragedies, including the removal of his children by the Aborigines Protection Board. Despite these hardships, he persevered, championing for his family’s rights and contributing to the Aboriginal community in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

A Lasting Legacy and Enduring Impact

In the twilight years of his life, Patten established the Australian Aboriginal Elders Council of Victoria, advocating against British atomic testing at Maralinga. His untimely death in a car accident in 1957 was a loss keenly felt by the Indigenous community. However, his legacy endures—a testament to resilience, tenacity, and a tireless pursuit of justice.

Continuing the Journey

Jack Patten’s legacy resonates through the annals of history, inspiring a new generation of Indigenous leaders to carry forward the torch of advocacy and empowerment. His life serves as a guiding light, urging us to continue the fight for equality, representation, and recognition for all Indigenous communities. As we honor Jack Patten’s legacy, we stand committed to realizing his vision of a more inclusive, equitable Australia—one where the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples are upheld and celebrated.

Jack Patten’s remarkable journey leaves an indelible imprint on Australia’s tapestry, a legacy of courage, resilience, and unyielding dedication to the pursuit of justice. His story serves as both a beacon of hope and a call to action, inviting us to join hands in building a future where every voice is heard and every community respected.