The First Australians (2008)

First Australians is an Australian historical documentary series produced by Blackfella Films over the course of six years. It first aired on SBS TV in October 2008. The series is part of a broader project that includes a book, a community outreach program, and a substantial website featuring over 200 mini-documentaries.

The documentary chronicles the history of contemporary Australia from the perspective of its first people: Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people. It weaves together well-documented historical information, relying heavily on archival documents and interpretations from historians, as well as insights from both Aboriginal and European community members and leaders. The story begins in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney and concludes in 1993 with Koiki Mabo’s legal challenge to the foundation of Australia.

The series comprises seven episodes, each delving into pivotal moments when the oldest living culture in the world intersected with the British Empire. It explores the lives of specific individuals, using their stories as a lens to understand broader historical contexts. The episodes delve into both violent aspects of European settlement, such as killings and battles, as well as acts of friendship and decency between early European settlers and Aboriginal Australians. Importantly, it sheds light on a history that had long been obscured by what was known as the great Australian silence—a deliberate ignorance of the real history of Australia, often used to conceal shame about the past.

Here’s a brief overview of the first two episodes:

1. They Have Come to Stay (New South Wales, 1788–1824):
   • The arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney in 1788.
   • Curious interactions and friendships form between settlers and Indigenous people.
   • Focuses on the relationship between Bennelong and Governor Arthur Phillip, as well as the lives of Pemulwuy, William Dawes, Patyegarang, and Windradyne.
2. Her Will to Survive (Tasmania, 1803–1880):
   • The land grab moves south to Tasmania.
   • Tasmanian Aboriginal people are forcibly removed from the island to protect real estate prices.
   • A young immigrant, assisted by Truganini, plays a role in this tragic chapter of history.

The series received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards, and remains the highest-selling educational title in Australia. Its impact extends beyond the screen, fostering a deeper understanding of Australia’s complex past and the resilience of its Indigenous peoples.