Ossie Cruse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ossie Cruse
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| Born | 1933 Orbost, Victoria, Australia
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| Occupation | Activist and Aboriginal elder |
Oswald "Ossie" Cruse is an important Australian leader. He is known as an Aboriginal elder and an activist. An activist is someone who works hard to make changes in society. Ossie Cruse has spent his life working for the rights of Aboriginal people in Australia.
Who is Ossie Cruse?
Ossie Cruse was born in 1933 in a place called Orbost, Victoria, in Australia. He grew up to become a strong voice for his community. He is respected as an Aboriginal elder, which means he is a wise and respected leader among Aboriginal people.
Working for Aboriginal Rights
Ossie Cruse became very active in fighting for Aboriginal rights after a big event in 1967. This event was the 1967 Australian referendum. A referendum is when people vote on an important change to the country's laws. In this vote, Australians decided that Aboriginal people should be counted in the national population. They also voted for the Australian government to make laws for Aboriginal people.
After this, Ossie Cruse worked even harder. He traveled to Africa with Gough Whitlam, who later became Australia's Prime Minister. Ossie Cruse also became a member of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples. This is a group that works to protect the rights of Indigenous (native) people all over the world.
Special Awards and Honours
Ossie Cruse has received special awards for his important work. In 1977, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. This award is given to people who have done great things for their country.
Later, in 2001, he received another high honour. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognizes Australians who have shown outstanding service or achievement. These awards show how much Ossie Cruse has helped his community and Australia.
