Tarenorerer facts for kids
Tarenorerer, also known as Walyer, Waloa, or Walloa, was a brave and strong leader of the Indigenous Australians in Tasmania. She lived from about 1800 to 1831. Between 1828 and 1830, she led a group of Indigenous people, both men and women, who fought against the British settlers in Tasmania during a time called the Black War.
Tarenorerer's Early Life
Tarenorerer was born around 1800 near Emu Bay in a place then called Van Diemen's Land (which is now Tasmania). She was part of the Tommeginne people. When she was a teenager, she was captured by other Indigenous groups. She was then taken to work for white colonists on the Bass Strait Islands. During this time, she learned to speak English and how to use firearms. Two of her brothers and two of her sisters also joined her with the sealers.
Leading the Resistance
In 1828, Tarenorerer was able to return to northern Tasmania. There, she brought together a small group of Indigenous fighters, both men and women. She led them in fighting against the British settlers. Because she had learned how to use firearms, she was able to teach her group. This made them very successful in their actions.
A man named George Augustus Robinson was very worried about Tarenorerer. He saw her as a powerful leader who could inspire a big uprising. Tarenorerer managed to escape to Port Sorell with her brothers Linnetower and Line-ne-like-kayver and two sisters. However, sealers captured them and took them to the Hunter Islands. From there, they were taken to Bird Island to catch seals and mutton birds.
In December 1830, Tarenorerer was taken to Swan Island, where her identity became known. Robinson believed her capture was very important for peace in the areas where she and her group had been so active. She was then held at Gun Carriage (Vansittart) Island. Sadly, she became sick and died there from influenza on June 5, 1831.
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