The Province of South Australia - Founding Ideas and Documents

Summary

Micky O'Brien, a descendant of the Kaurna people, reflects on the history of South Australia, discussing the impact of British colonization and the overlooked significance of the Aboriginal people's connection to the land. He highlights the 1836 Letters Patent by King William IV, which aimed to include Aboriginal people in nation-building but was ultimately ignored. O'Brien emphasizes the cultural symbols, historical roles, and contributions of Aboriginal people in South Australia’s early days, urging a deeper understanding of these overlooked aspects of history and the ongoing need for recognition and respect.

Takeaways

• 😀 Niina Marni - Welcome to the lands of the Kaurna people, located on the Adelaide Plains.
• 😀 The speaker, Micky O'Brien, is a descendant of the Kaurna people and offers insight into Australia's early colonial history.
• 😀 Contrary to popular belief, the British did not 'discover' Australia; it was the First Nations people who first inhabited the land.
• 😀 In 1836, South Australia was founded as a free colony, unique because King William IV intended for Aboriginal people to be part of nation-building.
• 😀 King William IV's Letters Patent expressed his desire for Aboriginal people to own and occupy the land, but this was never fully realized.
• 😀 Two key reasons for this were the king's death shortly after issuing the letter and the delay in receiving the Letters Patent, which only arrived in 1904 after Federation.
• 😀 The 1901 Federation excluded Aboriginal people, which marked a significant loss for their recognition as part of the new nation.
• 😀 The 1836 Governor's seal depicted two figures: a Britannic woman and an Aboriginal person sitting on a rock throne, symbolizing Aboriginal connection to the land.
• 😀 This imagery was incorporated into South Australia's second flag (1876-1904), but the significance of this representation has largely been overlooked.
• 😀 Micky O'Brien's great-great-great-grandmother, the first Aboriginal woman in South Australia to marry a non-Aboriginal man, played a key role in bridging two cultures.
• 😀 The Aboriginal people have always sought to share their knowledge and culture, welcoming others, and emphasizing the importance of the Letters Patent as a significant document.

Q & A

Who are the Kaurna people and where is their traditional land?

The Kaurna people are the Indigenous people of the Adelaide Plains in South Australia. Their traditional land stretches across the area now known as Adelaide.

What is the significance of the Letters Patent issued by King William IV?

The Letters Patent, issued by King William IV in 1836, outlined his intention for Aboriginal people to own and occupy the land they lived on. It was a rare document in British colonization history, showing an early recognition of Aboriginal land rights.

Why was the vision in the Letters Patent never realized?

The vision in the Letters Patent was never realized due to two main factors: King William IV's death shortly after issuing the letter and the fact that the Letters Patent did not reach South Australia until 1904, long after Federation in 1901, which excluded Aboriginal people from full citizenship.

What was unique about the colony of South Australia in 1836?

South Australia was established as a 'free colony' in 1836, meaning it was intended to be a colony without convict transportation, and it was one of the few colonies where the rights of Aboriginal people were considered in the initial documents of colonization.

How were Aboriginal people depicted in the Governor's seal of 1836?

In the Governor's seal of 1836, an Aboriginal person was depicted sitting on a rock throne, symbolizing their deep connection to the land. A kangaroo was also shown above their head, further illustrating this connection.

What is the historical significance of the South Australian flag between 1876 and 1904?

From 1876 to 1904, the South Australian flag featured a symbol of an Aboriginal person, connecting the Aboriginal people to the identity of the colony. This image reinforced the idea that Aboriginal people were part of the nation's history, though this connection has often been overlooked.

Who was Micky O'Brien's great-great-great-grandmother and what role did she play in South Australian history?

Micky O'Brien's great-great-great-grandmother was the first Aboriginal person in South Australia to attend a native school, where she learned to read and write English. She also made history by being the first Aboriginal person to marry a non-Aboriginal man, Tom Tomas Adams, bridging two cultures.

What role did Aboriginal people play in shaping the early days of South Australia?

Aboriginal people were integral to the early days of South Australia. Despite being excluded from full participation in the colony's governance, they maintained a strong cultural connection to the land and welcomed settlers. Their knowledge and wisdom shaped the development of the colony.

What message does Micky O'Brien convey about the relationship between Aboriginal people and the Australian nation?

Micky O'Brien conveys that Aboriginal people have always sought recognition as equal participants in the nation-building process. Although their connection to the land was acknowledged in the early documents like the Letters Patent, this vision was not fully realized, and Aboriginal people continue to be excluded from full recognition in the national story.

Why does Micky O'Brien end the speech with 'See you later' instead of 'goodbye'?

Micky O'Brien ends the speech with 'See you later' as a traditional Aboriginal greeting. This reflects the ongoing connection between the speaker and the audience, emphasizing that the relationship is enduring and that the conversation is not truly over.