Congratulations Professor Anya Reading!
RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
Between 1899 and 1904, and again between 1921 and 1927, enthusiasts of Tasmanian history formed the Historical Section of the Royal Society of Tasmania. They sought to highlight Tasmania’s rich historical traditions. They were especially interested in the deeds of foundation heroes such as explorers, governors and pioneers, but tended to ignore convict and Aboriginal history. They sought to preserve historical documents, save existing monuments and erect new monuments to their heroes, celebrate key events in Tasmania’s past, and ensure places were given suitably historical names. They held lectures and published papers on their favourite aspects of Tasmanian history.
They believed that history could teach valuable lessons if properly studied. This paper considers the activities of history enthusiasts in Hobart and Launceston and concludes that in small ways these enthusiasts contributed to an understanding of Tasmania’s past and helped to create a public awareness of early Tasmanian achievements.
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.
