The Tasmanian Aborigines are a distinct people from the mainland Aboriginal tribes. Apart from possessing different physical attributes, they also have a separate culture and traditions.
Many Tasmanian Aborigines were killed by English soldiers posted to Tasmania, and introduced diseases caused their population to dwindle even further. Whether Aboriginals were simply hunted by the arriving English, or whether they fought fierce battles leading to English casualties, is still a topic of discussion among historians.
Recognising that the Tasmanian Aboriginals were in danger of becoming extinct, the then-government created a settlement on Flinders Island. Although there has been totally extensive inter-marriage between Tasmanian Aboriginals and European (and other) settlers, those who recognise their own Aboriginal heritage seek to perpetuate Aboriginal traditions.
Just over 3.4% of Tasmania's population was recognised as Aboriginal on the 2001 census. The highest Aboriginal populations are outside of the major cities. In southern Tasmania (excluding Hobart), the figure is over 6.3% and in the north-west it is almost 5%.
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Last reviewed 2006-08-06 12:44:23