Isabel Edie Coe (1951–2012) was a Wiradjuri woman born at Erambie Mission near Cowra, and one of the most prominent Australian Aboriginal leaders.[1]

Activism

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Coe was one of the activists who monitored police brutality and harassment against Aboriginal people, which led to the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in 1970.[2]

She had a lead role in the running of the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, and was the lead litigant in Isabel Coe v the Commonwealth (1993), where she unsuccessfully tried to force the Australian government to recognise the sovereignty of the Wiradjuri nation.[3]

Family

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She was the sister of prominent activists Paul Coe and Jenny Munro,[4] and was married to Billy Craigie, one of the co-founders of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, who died in 1998.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Kerin, Lindy (12 November 2012). "'Determined' Aboriginal campaigner Isabel Coe dies". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  2. ^ "Our History". Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Vale Isabel Coe — a tireless activist". Green Left Weekly. 17 November 2012.
  4. ^ Munro, Jenny (24 January 2015). "An interview with Jenny Munro". Gaele Sobott (Interview). Interviewed by Sobott, Gaele. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  5. ^ Pullin, Lara (2 September 1998). "Billy Craigie: Gomilaroy warrior". Green Left. Retrieved 21 November 2022.