Re-examining the legacies of colonial expeditions: Towards a model for regional truth-telling

Photo taken by Peter Taylor from the original Chart prepared by Norman Taylor in 1873: Map showing route taken by the Northern Exploration Party Hann Expedition 1872. Of note is the range, named Jerry's Range. This name is derived from Jerry the Indigenous guide.

Colonial expeditions provide a lens through which to reconsider the impacts of historic injustices on contemporary relations between Aboriginal people and settlers. The Hann Expedition in 1872 traversed many Indigenous linguistic territories in Cape York, encountering Aboriginal people, recording, and mapping their interactions and collecting geological and botanical specimens. This project embarks on a regional truth-telling process to more justly represent and account for the ongoing impacts of the Expedition on Indigenous peoples. This collaborative project involves Indigenous stakeholder organisations, collecting institutions and descendants of the original expedition team, and will elevate Indigenous storytelling and narratives that develop countervailing histories.

Project Team

  • Dr Cameo Dalley: Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Studies Program, The University of Melbourne. Chief Investigator, descendant of Dr Thomas Tate (naturalist).
  • Peter Taylor: Honorary Associate Professor, Fenner School ANU. Chief Investigator, descendant of Norman Taylor (geologist).
  • Ms Nicole Huxley: Gudjala Elder and Board Member North QLD Land Council. Chief Investigator and Indigenous lead, descendant of Jerry (Aboriginal guide).

Indigenous Partner Organisations

  • Balkanu Aboriginal Development Corporation, Cairns Queensland
  • North Queensland Land Council, Cairns Queensland

Herbaria Partner Organisations

  • Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond UK
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, National Herbarium
  • Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity, Brisbane