Tunnerminnerwait

Tunnerminnerwait (c. 1812 – 20 January 1842) was an Indigenous Australian of the Palawa people from Tasmania. He is known for his resistance against the European colonization of Australia and is considered one of the first Aboriginal resistance fighters.

Early Life

Tunnerminnerwait was born around 1812 in Tasmania. He was a member of the Palawa people, the indigenous inhabitants of Tasmania. His early life was marked by the arrival of European settlers, which led to significant disruption of the traditional way of life for the Palawa people.

Resistance

Tunnerminnerwait became involved in resistance activities against the European settlers. Along with his companion, Truganini, and others, he participated in a series of raids and attacks against the settlers in the early 1840s. These actions were part of a broader resistance movement by the Aboriginal people against the encroachment on their lands and way of life.

Capture and Trial

In 1841, Tunnerminnerwait and his group were captured by the colonial authorities. They were charged with murder and other crimes related to their resistance activities. The trial was held in Melbourne, and it attracted significant attention at the time. Despite arguments that they were engaged in a war of resistance, Tunnerminnerwait and his companion Maulboyheenner were found guilty and sentenced to death.

Execution

Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner were executed on 20 January 1842. Their execution was the first public execution in Melbourne and was witnessed by a large crowd. The event is remembered as a significant moment in the history of Aboriginal resistance in Australia.

Legacy

Tunnerminnerwait is remembered as a symbol of Aboriginal resistance against European colonization. His story is an important part of the history of the Palawa people and the broader history of Indigenous Australians. In recent years, there have been calls for greater recognition of his role in the resistance movement, and memorials have been established in his honor.

See Also

• Palawa
• Truganini
• Indigenous Australian resistance
• History of Tasmania
• Colonial Australia