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An historical atlas of the Aborigines of eastern Victoria and far
south-eastern New South Wales
By Sue Wesson
Melbourne, Vic. : School of Geography and Environmental Science, 2000
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Book description
This is one of the few Atlases to map the known groups of Aboriginal people
in south eastern Australia according to historical records such as blanket
distribution records, surveyors reports and government documents. It is a
living history in that it connects historical figures to current Aboriginal
families, populations and country. Information available on the study area
is so fragmented that it has taken an enormous effort to synthesize the
data.
The author has identified the way in which Aboriginal people identify with
country and has been extremely sensitive in her approach to the accuracy,
consistency and portrayal of the information. Sue Wesson has conferred
extensively with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families, individuals and
community representatives throughout the study area regarding the accuracy
of the historical data. She has done an excellent job with the project
bearing in mind that it is intended as an introduction, a starting point or
a foundation on which to build as more information becomes available.
The maps differ from former efforts and incorporate information previously
unavailable. A number of maps have been created to accommodate
multi-dimensional views on identification with country, depending on
context, affiliation and politics of the groups. Biographies of community
leaders, census data, territory descriptions and variations of the names are
incorporated into the atlas. In addition, all sources of information are
clearly referenced for further investigation. This atlas shows the
terminology used to identify groups from other countries/tribal areas from
the perspective of those who belong to the country. There are also maps of
gatherings (ceremonial) and place names as well as environmental groupings.
Nineteenth century Aboriginal informants are acknowledged throughout the
text and in the bibliography.
This Atlas is an extremely valuable contribution to available resources,
historical records and community identity. It provides a refreshing
perspective on Aboriginal occupation of far South Eastern Australia at the
time of contact with non-indigenous people.
[Publisher's website]
About the author
Sue Wesson is completing a PhD in the School of Geography and
Environmental Science at Monash University.
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