The Black Wars in Lutruwita (Tasmania)

The Black Wars in Tasmania: A Legacy of Conflict and Resilience

Introduction

The Black Wars, a tumultuous period in Lutruwita’s (Tasmania’s) history, unfolded between the British settlers and the Palawa people (Aboriginal Tasmanians) during the mid-1820s to 1832. This brutal conflict, fought largely as a guerrilla war, had far-reaching consequences for both sides. In this essay, I look at the events of the Black Wars and explore their enduring impact on modern Palawa communities.

Historical Context

First Encounters and Hostilities

The first recorded contact between Europeans and the Palawa population occurred in 1772 when French sailors, led by Marc-Joseph Marion Dufresne, encountered members of a coastal tribe. Unfortunately, this initial contact turned hostile, resulting in the death of at least one Palawa person. Whaling and sealing industries further facilitated interactions between the two groups, leading to the introduction of diseases and abductions of Palawa women and children?(NLA, 2022), (History Skills, 2014).

The Black Line and Intimidation

By 1830, a virtual state of war existed between settlers and the Palawa people. In response to settlers’ demands for decisive action, Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur ordered thousands of able-bodied settlers to form what became known as the ‘Black Line’. This human chain moved south over many weeks, attempting to intimidate, capture, displace, and relocate the remaining Palawa people. Although the plan failed in the short term, it ultimately allowed Europeans to take control of the region.

Impact on Modern Tasmanian Aboriginals

Population Decline and Cultural Disruption

Population Decimation:

1. The Black War resulted in significant loss of life among the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Many were killed in violent clashes, while others succumbed to introduced diseases or were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands.
2. By the mid-19th century, only a small remnant of the original population survived. A large number of mixed-race children, mainly the children of whalers and sealers and Palawa women, were living in orphanages or foster homes throughout Lutruwita.

Cultural Erosion:

1. The destruction of Aboriginal communities disrupted their cultural practices, languages, and traditions. Elders and knowledge keepers were lost, weakening cultural continuity and denying the teaching of culture to the children taken from their families.
2. Sacred sites and gathering places were taken over by European settlers, erasing centuries-old connections to the land. This disconnection from Country is a major factor in the loss of language and cultural integrity in the modern population.

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Social Marginalisation and Trauma

Marginalisation and Discrimination:

1. Surviving Palawa people faced marginalisation, exclusion, and denial of basic rights. They were often relegated to the fringes of colonial settlements. With large numbers removed to the Bass Strait islands.
2. Denied access to education and employment opportunities, many struggled to survive.

Stolen Generations and Trauma:

1. The forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families perpetuated trauma. These children were placed in institutions or adopted by non-Indigenous families. As stated previously, this included the mixed-race children fathered by whalers and sealers operating around the Lutruwita coastline.
2. The trauma of separation, loss, and cultural suppression continues to impact generations of Aboriginal families.

Resilience and Revival

Land Rights and Recognition:

1. Some efforts have been made to address historical injustices. Land rights claims and cultural revitalisation programs aim to restore dignity and empower Aboriginal communities.
2. The return of land and recognition of Aboriginal heritage sites is an ongoing process and is heavily dependent upon the goodwill of Government, at all levels, and the ongoing efforts of the truth-telling process.

Cultural Revival:

1. Despite the challenges, Lutruwita’s Palawa community remains focussed and resilient. Initiatives include language revitalisation programs, art, storytelling, and community events.
2. Palawa people actively work to revive cultural practices, language, and traditions with the notable work being done to re-create the Palawa language; known as Palawa-kani.

Conclusion

The legacy of the Black Wars remains etched in Lutruwita’s history. Acknowledging past injustices i.e. truth-telling, and supporting Aboriginal self-determination are essential steps toward healing and a more equitable future. The resilience of modern Palawa People stands as a testament to their enduring spirit and determination.

References

History Skills, 2014. History Skills. [Online] Available at: https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/modern-history/mod-tasmania-reading/ [Accessed 29 April 2024].

NLA, 2022. National Museum of Australia. [Online] Available at: https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/the-black-line [Accessed 29 April 2024].

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