Trick or Treaty? Tasmania’s Unfinished Business
Inaugural Lecture for World Indigenous People’s Day
By Dr Patsy Cameron AO
(Sponsored by Reconciliation Tasmania)

Through my mother’s line I trace my heritage to two great warriors and formidable leaders of colonial times, Mannalargenna, of the northeast Coastal Plains Nation, and Tongerlongter of the east coast Oyster Bay Nation. Mannalargenna, Tongerlongter, along with Maultherheerlargenna of the northern midlands Stoney Creek Nation and Montpelliatter of the central plateau Big River Nation, are at the heart of this historical overview that will explain the circumstances of a colonial treaty made in Van Diemen’s Land in 1831. Today I honour these four resistance fighters, and acknowledge their bravery defending their lands, peoples, and ancient cultural traditions from the British invaders. I also acknowledge the courageous resolutions they attained to negotiate peace with the Van Diemen’s Land government in 1831.

Truth telling and listening to the voices of our ancestors are pivotal to this presentation that seeks to acknowledge one of the most significant episodes of history, albeit 188 years after a verbal treaty was sanctioned. The purpose is to highlight