Fanny Cochrane Smith

Fanny Cochrane Smith (1834–1905) was a remarkable Aboriginal Tasmanian (Palawa) woman whose life and voice became the cornerstone for the survival of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.

She is most famous for being the first Aboriginal person to have their voice recorded, providing the only known audio record of any original Tasmanian Aboriginal language.

🎙️ The Voice of a Culture

Between 1899 and 1903, Fanny recorded several songs and speech samples on wax cylinders at the Royal Society of Tasmania. These recordings are of immense historical value because:

• The Only Records: They are the only surviving audio recordings of traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal languages and songs.

• UNESCO Recognition: In 2017, these recordings were added to the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register.

• Language Reclamation: Today, her voice is a primary source for the palawa kani language retrieval program, helping the modern Tasmanian Aboriginal community reclaim their linguistic heritage.

📜 A Life of Resilience

Fanny’s life was a bridge between the traditional world of her ancestors and the colonial society of the 19th century.

• Early Life: Born at the Wybalenna settlement on Flinders Island, she was the first child born at the mission. She grew up hearing the various languages and stories of the different Tasmanian tribes gathered there.

• Cultural Guardian: Despite being moved into European foster homes and schools, she maintained her cultural practices—hunting, gathering bush medicine, weaving baskets, and making traditional shell necklaces.

• Community Leader: She settled in Nicholls Rivulet, where she became a respected matriarch. A devout Methodist, she was known for her hospitality and even donated her own land to build a local church.

🏛️ The "Last Tasmanian" Controversy

Following the death of Truganini in 1876, the colonial government and many scientists of the time declared Truganini the "last" Tasmanian Aborigine. Fanny strongly disputed this, asserting her own identity and heritage.

Note: Today, the idea of an "extinct" race is recognized as a myth used to justify colonization. Fanny’s 11 children ensured the continuation of her lineage, and thousands of Palawa people today proudly trace their ancestry back to her.

Key Facts