Oswald "Ossie" Cruse MBE AM[1] is an Australian activist and Aboriginal elder.
Ossie Cruse | |
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Born | 1933 Orbost, Victoria, Australia |
Occupation(s) | Activist and Aboriginal elder |
Cruse was born in 1933 in Orbost, Victoria. He became active in the area of Aboriginal rights after the 1967 Australian referendum, touring Africa with former prime minister Gough Whitlam and becoming a member of the World Council of Indigenous Peoples.[2]
Cruse was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 1977 Silver Jubilee and Birthday Honours[3] and a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2001 Australia Day Honours.[4]
In recognition of service to Aborigines
For service to the indigenous community, particularly in the areas of social justice, spiritual welfare, health and land rights.