Rob Riley (Aboriginal activist) facts for kids

Robert Riley (born December 10, 1954 – died May 1, 1996) was an important Aboriginal activist. He worked hard to improve life for Indigenous people in Australia.

Robert Riley's Early Life

Robert was born in 1954. When he was very young, he was taken away from his family. He was placed in a special home called Sister Kate's in Queens Park, Western Australia. He didn't know his mother was alive until he was almost ten years old. He was finally reunited with his family when he was 12.

Later, Robert wrote about his experience of being taken from his family. This was part of a sad time in history known as the Stolen Generations. Many Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families by Australian governments. Robert's story, called Telling Our Story, was a very important book. It helped people understand what happened to Aboriginal people who were removed from their homes in Western Australia. He wrote this book while he was the CEO of the Western Australian Aboriginal Legal Service Inc.

Robert became involved in activism in the late 1970s. He became well-known during the Noonkanbah dispute in 1980. This protest was about land rights. It helped start the modern movement for land rights for Indigenous people.

Robert Riley's Work and Achievements

Robert Riley held many important roles. He was the Chairperson of the National Aboriginal Council. He was also part of the team that worked on the Native Title Act. This law helps recognize the rights of Indigenous people to their traditional lands.

On the national stage, Robert was a senior advisor to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. He also led the Aboriginal Issues Unit for the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. This group looked into why Aboriginal people were dying in police custody.

Robert helped create many important organizations. These include:

• The Perth Aboriginal Medical Service, which provides health care.
• The Aboriginal Child Care Agency, which helps Aboriginal children.
• The Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University, which supports Indigenous education.
• The Western Australia Aboriginal Media Association, which helps share Indigenous stories.

In 1996, Robert was given the Human Rights Medal. This award recognized his amazing work for human rights.

Robert Riley passed away on May 1, 1996. In 2004, the Centre of Aboriginal Studies started the Rob Riley Memorial Lectures. These lectures honor his memory and his important contributions.