Chicka Dixon facts for kids
Charles "Chicka" Dixon (5 May 1928 – 10 March 2010) was a very important Aboriginal leader and activist. He spent his life fighting for basic human rights and fairness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
He was a key figure in big campaigns like the 1967 referendum, which changed the Australian Constitution. He also helped create the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a protest camp in Canberra.
In 1970, Chicka Dixon helped start Australia's first Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern. This service provided legal help to Aboriginal people. In 1972, he co-founded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. He was also the first Aboriginal person to be a Councillor on the Australia Council, which supports arts and culture. He even chaired the Council's Aboriginal Arts Board. In 1983, he was named the first Aboriginal of the Year.
A Life of Activism
Chicka Dixon's journey as an activist began early. He attended his first political meeting on his 18th birthday in 1946. He was inspired by Jack Patten, who helped organize the 1938 Day of Mourning protest. This event highlighted the struggles of Aboriginal people. Chicka Dixon remained politically active from that day on.
Speaking Up for Rights
During the 1960s, Chicka Dixon became a spokesperson for the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. This group worked to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. He spoke out strongly for their rights.
In 1972, he traveled to China to share the story of the Aboriginal struggle with the world. He hoped this would encourage the Australian Government to take action. When Qantas airline would not fly his group, Dixon found another airline that would. This showed his determination.
Recognitions and Challenges
In 2006, the University of New South Wales gave him an honorary doctorate. This was to recognize his great service to the community.
Later in his life, Chicka Dixon faced health problems. He suffered from a lung disease called asbestosis. This was caused by working on the Sydney docks as a wharfie (a person who loads and unloads ships).
In 2007, news reports said that Dixon had received 150 pages of his secret government files from ASIO. He said these files were very inaccurate. He was one of several activists who spoke openly about their files.
Passing On
Chicka Dixon passed away on 20 March 2010, in a Sydney nursing home. He died from asbestosis, which the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) confirmed he got from his work as a wharf worker. He left behind his two daughters, Rhonda and Christine, and many other family members. His legacy as a fighter for justice continues to inspire many.
