Hobart, Australia
The indigenous community in the Australian island state of Tasmania is bickering over who has the right to claim Aboriginal heritage. Elections are coming up for a powerful committee that controls millions of dollars in funding for indigenous causes. Many candidates are accusing one another of fabricating Aboriginal ancestry to boost their chances of election. White colonists killed most of the Aboriginal population in the 19th century, and survivors fled to a nearby island and intermarried with white whalers. Their descendants, who look largely white, claim to be the only true Aborigines of Tasmania. A separate group of Tasmanians claim to be the real natives, saying they’re the descendants of Aborigines who did not flee.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What are the different types of nuclear weapons?The Explainer Speculation mounts that post-war taboo on nuclear weapons could soon be shattered by use of 'battlefield' missiles
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
How to plan a trip along the Mississippi RiverThe Week Recommends See this vital waterway from the Great River Road
