Which policy period focused on the protection of Aboriginal peoples?

The period identified as focusing on the protection of Aboriginal peoples is indeed the one that spans from 1869 to 1901. During this era, the policy of protection was first implemented by the Australian government. It aimed to provide a form of guardianship over Indigenous peoples, fundamentally based on the belief that Aboriginal peoples were unable to care for themselves and needed to be protected from the influences of colonial society. This period resulted in the establishment of reserves and protectionist legislation, which sought to manage the lives of Aboriginal peoples, often in ways that severely restricted their freedoms and rights.

In contrast, the other periods mentioned do not emphasize protection in the same way. The assimilation policy aimed to absorb Aboriginal peoples into mainstream society, often erasing cultural identities. The integration policy sought to incorporate Aboriginal peoples into Australian society but still within the framework dictated by the dominant culture. The self-determination era marks a shift towards recognizing and supporting Aboriginal peoples' rights to make their own choices and governance, diverging significantly from a protective approach. Each of these periods illustrates a different governmental philosophy and approach to Aboriginal affairs rather than focusing primarily on protection as was evident from 1869 to 1901.