Online interactive Aboriginal story map launched

An online, interactive map designed to enable residents and tourists to access more information about Aboriginal Tasmania was officially launched today (Friday, 27 May).

The first of its kind in the state, the web-based resource provides a virtual tour of Aboriginal Tasmania, highlighting regions and people, groups and organisations and places and events of historical and cultural importance.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Story Map can be accessed via mobile phone, tablet or computer.

It was officially launched by University of Tasmania Deputy Chair of Academic Senate Professor Dominic Geraghty, who was joined by staff, students and Aboriginal community groups as part of National Reconciliation Week.

“This resource is a unique story map, taking locals and visitors on a virtual tour of Aboriginal Tasmania and allowing access to important historical information, events, places and people, some of which may not have been told before,” Professor Geraghty said.

“It is only fitting the story map is launched today (May 27) which marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week.

“This year’s theme of Our History, Our Story, Our Future reflects exactly what the virtual story map is aiming to achieve.”

Project lead and University of Tasmania academic Clair Andersen said the map provided greater access to a wider audience looking to learn more about Tasmania’s Aboriginal history.

“Residents, tourists, teachers, historians – the map is designed for everyone to use,” she said.

“What’s also important about the story map is it will evolve with ongoing collaboration and development.”

Community Elder Patsy Cameron congratulated the team on the work.

“I think the project will contribute greatly to Tasmania’s narrative about places of special significance to Tasmanian Aboriginal people and I am happy to continue to assist to grow the project.”

The project team consisted of seven members and were joined by four major Aboriginal community groups with more than 80 people involved in creating the map.

It was funded by a 2015 Community Engagement Grant.

The map be accessed at www.utas.edu.au/aboriginal-tasmania-storymap

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Media Office, UTAS