Manuscript paused to centre Indigenous voices in a key chapter of Tasmanian history
The weaving symbolises the recovery of Tasmanian Aboriginal histories from archival records and the weaving of those stories into a new narrative. Image: Mandy Leggett
A decision to pause the publication of a historical manuscript is creating a rare opportunity to revisit how a chapter of Australia’s past is told.
The manuscript, drafted by historian Dr Peter Dowling OAM, looks at the impact of colonisation on the health of Tasmanian Aboriginal people forcibly moved to Wybalenna on Flinders Island between 1831 and 1835. Instead of proceeding with publication, the project has been delayed for three years to allow the work to be reconsidered before release.
At the centre of this work is Federation University PhD candidate and Aboriginal scholar Mandy Leggett, whose research focuses on how historical narratives can be reshaped through a more considered and culturally informed approach – focusing on Dr Dowling’s manuscript.
The project aligns with the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, recognising the strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — and reinforcing the importance of truth-telling that recognises and encompasses the experiences of First Nations voices.
It is also 50 years since Trucanini featured on the first NAIDOC poster – a timely reminder of how important the Tasmanian Aboriginal story is in the history of colonisation in Australia and the healing work of NAIDOC.
“What we’re doing is pausing the publication and using the PhD to figure out how to decolonise the manuscript – the next step is rewriting the book once that framework is in place,” Ms Leggett said.
“Rather than rushing to publish, this project is about stepping back and ensuring Indigenous voices and lived experiences are central to the publication.”
Ms Leggett spent more than a year researching, reading more than 400 documents and studies to better understand both the project's purpose and how to approach it. She said the project is not just important academically — it is also personal.
“I am a proud Nunga Aboriginal Woman, with blended heritage and Wakal Benguin kinship connections, having experienced the impacts of my own stolen history. This work to develop a methodology for writing a better version of history means a lot to me,” she said.
“I have reclaimed my identity through deep community dedication, the idea of this project — with an opportunity for change — really resonated with me”.
The research began before the Indigenous postgraduate researcher even started her PhD, driven by a sense that the project was something new and special.
“We’re making sure Indigenous voices, cultural protocols and historical expertise are built into the work from the beginning, alongside the research. It really shows the role universities can play in supporting truth-telling and real community empowerment,” she said.
Ms Leggett said the work is developing a new paradigm, requiring careful consideration.
“It’s taken a lot of reading to understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. But now there’s a much clearer picture of how we can move forward with the research.”
Over the three years of her PhD, Ms Leggett will develop a methodology for how to rework the manuscript. A fourth year will then be spent rewriting it before it is published.
A key part of her work is taking a closer look at colonial records, especially those related to Aboriginal health. She is examining how these records have shaped understanding over time — often in ways that are misleading or harmful.
“What’s showing up is that the way health and epidemiology were recorded has had far reaching impacts to the present,” she said.
Her research aims not only to question those records but to replace them with a more accurate and respectful understanding.
“Being an Aboriginal woman who does not descend from Tasmania, it is vital to focus on the work of Aboriginal researchers in Tasmania who have challenged dominant versions of history.
“These Aboriginal men and women have been doing all this decolonial work, and it’s actually showing me how to do this,” she said.
The project is supported by a supervisory panel that includes trawlwulwuy woman of tebrakunna Country Professor Emma Lee OAM, Dr Dowling OAM, historian Professor Keir Reeves OAM and Federation University Director of Research and Innovation and historian Dr Mark Potter.
“Their combined leadership ensures that Indigenous voices, cultural protocols and deep historical expertise are firmly woven into our narrative alongside cutting-edge research,” Ms Leggett said.
“It’s an approach which highlights the vital role academic institutions play in advancing truth-telling and true community empowerment.”
Ms Leggett said by putting this work in place before publication, the project challenges traditional ways of writing history and makes community knowledge central.
“Aligned with the spirit of Fifty Years of Deadly, this work is not only about revisiting the past — it is about changing how stories are told in the future, ensuring Indigenous voices are no longer left out, but placed at the centre.”