Guide to the Papers of Evelyn Ruth Scott, 1977-2003

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Summary

Collection number:
MS 10605
Creator:
Scott, Evelyn Ruth, Dr, AO (1935-2017)
Extent:
(1 medium folio-box + 1 custom phase box + 3 folders)
Language:
English and English
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Evelyn Ruth Scott, National Library of Australia, MS 10605, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Availability:
Available
Access conditions:
Available for research. Not for loan.

Background

Content Summary:
This collection features medals and certificates awarded to Dr Evelyn Ruth Scott, together with congratulatory letters and cards. Medals and awards include include a Silver Jubilee Medal from Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, the Centenary Medal in 2001, the Order of Australia in 2003 and a Queensland Greats Medal in 2003. These were awarded for Dr Scott's efforts and achievements in improving access to legal, housing, employment and medical services for Indigenous communities.
Biographical Note:

Dr Evelyn Ruth Scott AO (1935-2017) was an Indigenous rights activist and social justice campaigner who played a pivotal role in the reconciliation process in Australia. She was a key figure in the 'yes' campaign of the 1967 referendum. Evelyn Scott began working in the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advancement League in the 1960s after experiencing discrimination in employment, housing and health.In 1971 she joined the Indigenous-led Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) as vice-president and she became the first general-secretary in 1973. Through her role at FCAATSI and as Chair of Cairns and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Women, Dr Scott was pivotal in improving access to legal, housing, employment and medical services for communities. From 1997 to 2000, she became the chair for the National Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.A campaigner for conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, Dr Scott served as a Marine Park Authority board member during the 1980s. She believed in the need for stronger Indigenous voices in issues regarding the land and sea.Dr Scott was awarded honorary doctorates from James Cook University (2001) and the Australian Catholic University (2000). In 1977 Dr Scott received the Queen's Jubilee Medal for her contribution to the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2001 she was awarded an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia. Dr Scott was also the recipient of the Queensland Greats Award for her contribution to the history and development of the state in 2003.

Access and use

Conditions Governing Access:
Access conditions may apply to this collection, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8631535).
Conditions Governing Use:
Conditions for copying and publishing of this collection may apply, please refer to the collection's catalogue record for further information (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn8631535).
Preferred citation:
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Evelyn Ruth Scott, National Library of Australia, MS 10605, [class/series/file/item number(s)]'.
Location of this collection:
Parkes Place
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Contact:
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