Tongerlongeter: First Nations Leader

This book does not remedy injustice, but it recognises it. It offers Tongerlongeter, his people and his allies respect, recognition and regret. May it be one of many such books.' — Bill Gammage

During Tasmania's Black War of 1823-31, Tongerlongeter led the most effective First Nations resistance campaign in Australian history. His Oyster Bay Nation of southeast Tasmania and his ally Montpelliatta's Big River Nation of central Tasmania made some 710 attacks, killing 182 colonists and wounding a further 176. Despite this, First Nations casualties were up to three times greater and their population plummeted. Militarily it was a lost cause, yet their determined resistance and dogged commitment to Country, culture and each other provoked desperation at every level of the fledgling colony.

Author: Henry Reynolds, Nicholas Clements

Pages: 288, Paperback

Published: 2021