The History of Aboriginal Welfare in the Colony of NSW 1788-1856
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The History of Aboriginal Welfare in the Colony of NSW 1788-1856 Susan Green This thesis is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Social Sciences University of New South Wales August 2014 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Green First name: Susan Other name/s: Margaret Kim Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Social Sciences Faculty: Arts and Social Science Title: The History of Aboriginal Welfare in the Colony of NSW 1788-1856 Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Abstract Debate has occurred over the past decade about Aboriginal Australians' 'welfare dependency'. How can this challenging discourse be deconstructed and understood? This thesis returns to the roots of the imposition of welfare on Aboriginal Australians in the colony of New South Wales. It examines the period from the invasion of Sydney Cove by the British in 1788 and the early settlement to 1856. This thesis addresses the question: In what ways was welfare used by the British in the process of colonisation of Aboriginal people in the colony of New South Wales? The methodology employed is a Critical Indigenous approach. Generally, Australian history has been told by non-Indigenous Australians, informedby a Western understanding and interpretation of documentary and other evidence. Understandings and interpretations are derived from Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing and being. 'Seeing' the creation of welfare for Aboriginal peoples in the early colony through this Indigenous critical historical method opens a new understanding of Aboriginal welfare. Archival documents not used previously in this way, are examined to understand how the early Governors of New South Wales and the British government of the day conceptualized and dealt with Aboriginal people. In particular this thesis explores how Aboriginal people were welfarised within the colony of New South Wales. Further to this it is found that welfarisation was not only the result of colonisation but also used as a method in the process of colonising. The findings of this thesis provide a new way of thinking about what occurred during the colonisation of New South Wales and the impact upon Aboriginal people. It also provides a way in which to consider how it is possible to decolonise the way in which we understand our past, know who we are today and allow us to address current issues in a manner which is based on human rights and social justice. It is essential for all Australians, not only Aboriginal people, that we are able to break free from the shackles of our colonial mentality and commence the process of decolonisation. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all fom,s of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses ly). Witness The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and re uire the a roval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 'I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or · s ation.' Signed Date AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT 'I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has oecurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to di · Signed Date OR~NAUTY STATEMENT 'I hereby declare that lhls submission fs my own wodt and to Ina oost of my knowlodge II contains no rrt-'lafials prsviousfy pubu~ or wrl~en by another person, Qr $Ubs.tantial pi'OpOfti:)nS ol matenal which have. been accepted tor tho award or any other degroo or diploma at UNSW cr any other educalional il'•sltutioo. except when~ due acknowledgemOOl IS made m the thesis Any oontnbu:tion n\ado to the research by others, with whom I havo worked at UNSW or etsewnere, ts e)(plicttty admowledged •Cl tho thesis. I also declare that !lle irnellectual content of this thesis- iS tho product ol my own work. except to the extent that assistance from others in the proiecfs design and concoptloo or tn style. presen'ta and 11ngulstic expressiOn tS ackl'lo't\·ledg-ed ' Oate 2 Abstract Debate has occurred over the past decade about Aboriginal Australians’ ‘welfare dependency’. How can this challenging discourse be deconstructed and understood? This thesis returns to the roots of the imposition of welfare on Aboriginal Australians in the colony of New South Wales. It examines the period from the invasion of Sydney Cove by the British in 1788 and the early settlement to 1856. This thesis addresses the question: In what ways was welfare used by the British in the process of colonisation of Aboriginal people in the colony of New South Wales? The methodology employed is a Critical Indigenous approach. Generally, Australian history has been told by non‐Indigenous Australians, informed by a Western understanding and interpretation of documentary and other evidence. Understandings and interpretations are derived from Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing and being. ‘Seeing’ the creation of welfare for Aboriginal peoples in the early colony through this Indigenous critical historical method opens a new understanding of Aboriginal welfare. Archival documents not used previously in this way, are examined to understand how the early Governors of New South Wales and the British government of the day conceptualized and dealt with Aboriginal people. In particular this thesis explores how Aboriginal people were welfarised within the colony of New South Wales. Further to this it is found that welfarisation was not only the result of colonisation but also used as a method in the process of colonising. The findings of this thesis provide a new way of thinking about what occurred during the colonisation of New South Wales and the impact upon Aboriginal people. It also provides a way in which to consider how it is possible to decolonise the way in which we understand our past, know who we are today and allow us to address current issues in a manner which is based on human rights and social justice. It is essential for all Australians, not only Aboriginal people, that we are able to break free from the shackles of our colonial mentality and commence the process of decolonisation. Dedication This thesis is dedicated to all the Aboriginal women in my family who did not live to experience a life outside of colonisation. In particular this thesis is dedicated to my sisters, Kim and Peta, my Grandmother Vera, Great-Grandmother Eliza and Great Great-Grandmother Louisa. Your spirits continue to walk with and guide me through my journey in this life. 3 Acknowledgements I would like to firstly acknowledge the Spirits, Ancestors, Elders, Indigenous people and the lands I have travelled through and will travel through during my life journey. I would then like to acknowledge all those who have been a part of the journey of this thesis and the lessons you have brought me. Whilst I have not named you here (as there are so many individuals that it would be impossible to do so) the lessons you have brought are still an important part of the development of this thesis and also of my life. I would also like to especially acknowledge my family; Glenn, Andrew, Daniel, Alicia, Grant, Taniesha, Tylor, Teana, Abgail, Tevita and Aurora; for all your love and just for being. I want to particularly acknowledge my father, Neil for passing onto me the strength to survive whatever may come. In particular I want to acknowledge my husband Glenn for being proud of me, always believing in me and in particularly all the support and love that he has brought to my life. As well thank you Glenn for being the one to hold everything together so that I could focus totally on this thesis, especially in these last couple of months. Yes darling, it is finally done.