Colonisation and Conflict in Tasmania
As ART ARK is proudly based in Launceston, Tasmania, we believe it's important to share with you some contextual history that you may not know. Tasmania's past is rich and complex, marked by significant events that have shaped the island's cultural and social landscape. One such period is the Black Wars, a series of intense conflicts that took place in the early 19th century between the Indigenous Tasmanian population, known collectively as the Palawa people, and European settlers. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating the depth of Tasmania's heritage and the resilience of its people.
Please note that for the purpose of this text, Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples are referred to as the Palawa People, a collective contemporary term. This encompasses between 8 and 12 original languages from the period discussed.
The Australian Frontier Wars
The Frontier Wars refer to a series of conflicts between Indigenous Australians and European settlers that occurred across Australia from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. These conflicts arose from the European colonisation of Australia, which began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. As settlers expanded their territories, they encroached on Indigenous lands, leading to disputes over land, resources, and sovereignty.
The nature of the Frontier Wars varied across different regions of Australia, reflecting the diverse landscapes and Indigenous cultures. In some areas, the conflicts were sporadic and localised, while in others, they were prolonged and intense. The wars were characterised by guerrilla tactics, with Indigenous Australians using their knowledge of the land to launch surprise attacks and then retreat to safety.
Tasmania's Black War
The Black War in Tasmania, which lasted from 1824 to 1831, was one of the most intense frontier conflicts in Australia's history. It was a clash between the British settlers and the Indigenous Tasmanian population, known today as the Palawa people. The Palawa were composed of many tribes, including the Oyster Bay, Big River, North Midlands, and Ben Lomond peoples.
The war was triggered by a combination of factors, including the invasion of tribal lands, competition for resources, and violent encounters between settlers and Indigenous people. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Tasmania was an island, limiting the ability of the Palawa to retreat or seek refuge in neighbouring territories.
The Black War was marked by a series of violent raids, ambushes, and massacres. The settlers, equipped with firearms, had a technological advantage over the Palawa, who fought with traditional weapons such as spears and clubs. Despite this, the Palawa showed remarkable resistance, employing guerrilla tactics to challenge the settlers.
The Black Line
As the Black War intensified, Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur sought a decisive solution to end the conflict. In 1830, he implemented the Black Line, a military strategy aimed at capturing the remaining Palawa and relocating them to a controlled area. The operation involved over 2,000 settlers, soldiers, and convicts forming a human chain that stretched across the settled districts of Tasmania, from east to west. The intent was to sweep the land, driving the Palawa towards the Tasman Peninsula where they could be captured.
The Back Line Military Operation in Tasmania
The Black Line was an unprecedented undertaking in the colony's history, both in scale and in the mobilisation of civilian and military forces. Participants were required to navigate through dense bushland and challenging terrain, maintaining a continuous line to prevent the Palawa from slipping through. The operation was not only a military manoeuvre but also a psychological tactic, aimed at demonstrating the overwhelming power of the colonial forces and discouraging further resistance from the Indigenous population.
Despite the extensive planning and resources invested in the Black Line, the operation was largely unsuccessful in achieving its primary objectives. The Palawa, adept at guerrilla warfare and deeply familiar with the terrain, managed to evade the line in most instances. Only a few were captured, and the operation failed to bring an end to the hostilities. Instead, it highlighted the resilience of the Palawa and the limitations of military force in addressing the complex issues underlying the conflict.
The Black Line also had broader implications for the colony. The massive mobilisation of resources and manpower strained the colony's finances and labour force, highlighting the economic costs of the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the operation's failure led to increased scrutiny of Lieutenant-Governor Arthur's policies and approach to dealing with the Indigenous population, prompting a reevaluation of strategies to resolve the conflict.
In the aftermath of the Black Line, alternative approaches were sought to address the ongoing tensions between settlers and the Palawa. This shift in strategy eventually led to the implementation of George Augustus Robinson's Friendly Mission, which aimed to establish peaceful relations and relocate the Palawa to a new settlement. The Black Line remains a significant episode in Tasmania's history, reflecting the complexities and challenges of the colonial era and the enduring resistance of the Indigenous population.
The Friendly Mission
In the midst of the Black War, an alternative approach to resolving the conflict was proposed by George Augustus Robinson, a British builder and unordained preacher. Appointed as the Chief Protector of Aborigines in 1829, Robinson embarked on what became known as the "Friendly Mission." His goal was to establish peaceful relations with the Indigenous Tasmanian tribes and persuade them to relocate to a new settlement, where they would be protected and provided for by the government.
Robinson's approach was based on diplomacy and negotiation. He learned the local languages and customs, and travelled extensively across Tasmania, often accompanied by Aboriginal guides and intermediaries. Through these efforts, he sought to gain the trust of the Palawa leaders and convince them that relocation was in their best interest.
The Friendly Mission was a complex and controversial endeavour. While Robinson genuinely believed in the possibility of peaceful coexistence, his mission was also driven by the colonial government's desire to end the conflict and secure the land for European settlement. Critics argue that the mission was paternalistic and ultimately served colonial interests rather than those of the Indigenous population.
Despite these criticisms, Robinson's efforts did lead to the cessation of hostilities in some areas and the relocation of several Palawa groups to a new settlement on Flinders Island, known as Wybalenna. However, the promises of protection and support were not fully realised, and the conditions at Wybalenna were far from ideal. The settlement faced issues such as inadequate housing, food shortages, and disease outbreaks, which contributed to the decline of the Palawa population.
The Friendly Mission remains a contentious chapter in Tasmania's history. While it represented a departure from the violence of the Black War, it also highlighted the complexities and challenges of resolving deep-seated conflicts between Indigenous and settler communities. The legacy of the mission is a reminder of the need for genuine dialogue, respect, and understanding in addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation.
The Black Line's Influence on the Friendly Mission
The Black Line, while largely unsuccessful in its immediate goal of capturing the remaining Palawa, had a significant impact on the course of the conflict. The sheer scale of the operation and the display of military force by the settlers created a sense of inevitability about European domination. For many Palawa, the Black Line underscored the futility of continued resistance and the need to consider alternative strategies for survival.
In this context, George Augustus Robinson's Friendly Mission appeared as a more appealing option to some Aboriginal leaders. The mission promised safety, provisions, and a degree of autonomy in exchange for cessation of hostilities and relocation. The prospect of a secure place like Wybalenna, away from the immediate threats of violence and dispossession, persuaded some Palawa groups to agree to Robinson's proposal.
However, the promises made as part of the Friendly Mission were not fully upheld. While the immediate goal of ending the conflict was achieved, the long-term welfare of the Palawa people was not adequately addressed. The settlement at Wybalenna was plagued by poor living conditions, inadequate supplies, and a lack of respect for Aboriginal culture and autonomy. The failure to fulfil the promises of the Friendly Mission contributed to the suffering and decline of the Palawa population at the settlement.
The influence of the Black Line on the acceptance of the Friendly Mission is a complex and nuanced aspect of Tasmanian history. It highlights the difficult choices faced by Indigenous leaders in the face of overwhelming colonial forces and the challenges of negotiating peace and survival in a colonial context. The legacy of these events continues to shape the understanding of Indigenous-settler relations in Tasmania and Australia more broadly.
Relocation and Survival at Wybalenna
The end of the Black War marked a significant turning point in the history of the Palawa people. In an attempt to resolve the ongoing conflict, the remaining Palawa were relocated to Flinders Island, to a settlement known as Wybalenna, meaning "Black Man's Houses." Here, they were promised protection and support, with the hope of creating a peaceful and sustainable community.
However, the reality of life at Wybalenna was far from the promised ideal. The settlement was ill-prepared to accommodate the needs of the Palawa. The housing was inadequate, and the supply of food and clothing was insufficient. The Palawa were also expected to adopt European ways of living, which clashed with their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices.
The harsh conditions on Flinders Island took a heavy toll on the Palawa population. Diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia spread rapidly, exacerbated by malnutrition and the psychological stress of displacement. The population declined sharply, with many Palawa succumbing to illness and despair.
Despite the adversity faced at Wybalenna, the Palawa people showed remarkable resilience. They maintained their cultural traditions and language as much as possible, passing down stories and knowledge to the younger generations. The settlement also became a site of cultural exchange, as Palawa from different regions and language groups came together.
By the mid-19th century, it was clear that Wybalenna was unsustainable. The surviving Palawa were eventually moved to Oyster Cove, on the Tasmanian mainland, where conditions were marginally better. However, the legacy of Wybalenna and the Black War continued to impact the Palawa community.
Today, the Palawa people are a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous cultures. The Aboriginal community in Tasmania is vibrant and active, working tirelessly to preserve and celebrate their rich traditions, language, and history. The story of Wybalenna serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the Palawa people, as well as their remarkable ability to overcome adversity and maintain their cultural identity.
Reflections on the Black War
The Black War and the broader Frontier Wars are often wrongly overlooked in Australian history and education, yet they are crucial for understanding the impact of colonisation on Indigenous communities and our nation today. The conflicts highlight the resilience and resistance of Indigenous Australians in the face of dispossession and violence. As Australia continues to grapple with its colonial past, acknowledging and commemorating the Frontier Wars is an essential step towards reconciliation and healing.