Monash Publications No.53/GES
Monash Publications in Geography & Environmental Science: Number 53
An Historical Atlas of the Aborgines of Eastern Victoria and far South-Eastern NSW
by Sue Wesson
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.