Congratulations Professor Anya Reading!
RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
Heard Island has important historic sites relating to the hunting of elephant seals and various scientific activities, which are noted in the World Heritage citation for the island. Some, especially sealing sites, are generally acknowledged to have historic value, but the value of later sites, such as the first ANARE base at Atlas Cove, is debated, due to its recent date, unattractive appearance, rapid deterioration and hazards to wildlife. The authors believe that Atlas Cove is significant to Australia’s Antarctic history, but this does not necessarily require that all elements of the site must be preserved in situ. The potential historical value of this site is briefly reviewed; the value of comparative studies of historical, archaeological and materials observation information on historic sites on other Subantarctic islands is also considered.
Documentation of these aspects of the sites is essential, certainly before any “clean up” is carried out at Adas Cove since it will produce information to assist in environmental management and may benefit scientific research. Identification of the scientific artefacts and achievements should be an essential part of documentation of Subantarctic sites, but generally has not been given significant attention by archeologists. For development of a statement of significance for Atlas Cove, it is vital.
Royal Society of Tasmania, RST, Van Diemens Land, natural history, science, ecology, taxonomy, botany, zoology, geology, geography, papers & proceedings, Australia, UTAS Library
Published Papers
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
