Isabel Coe facts for kids

Isabel Edie Coe (1951–2012) was a strong Wiradjuri woman. She was born at Erambie Mission near Cowra, Australia. Isabel became one of the most important Aboriginal leaders of her time. She worked hard to help her people.

Standing Up for Rights

Isabel Coe was an important activist. An activist is someone who works to bring about change. She helped watch over how Aboriginal people were treated by the police. This work helped create the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in 1970. The ALS provides legal help to Aboriginal people.

Isabel also played a big part in setting up the first Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. This embassy was a protest camp. It was set up to show that Aboriginal people wanted their rights to be recognised. Later, in 1993, Isabel was the main person in a court case called Isabel Coe v the Commonwealth. She tried to get the Australian government to recognise that the Wiradjuri nation had its own rights over their land. This is called sovereignty. Although she did not win the case, her efforts were very important.

Her Family

Isabel Coe came from a family of activists. Her brother, Paul Coe, and her sister, Jenny Munro, were also well-known for their work. Isabel was married to Billy Craigie. Billy was one of the people who helped start the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. He passed away in 1998.