The new name for Mount Wellington is kunanyi.
Understanding kunanyi/Mount Wellington's New Name
On August 7, 2013, the indigenous name kunanyi was officially gazetted. This formal recognition means that kunanyi is now the officially acknowledged Aboriginal name for the mountain previously known as Mount Wellington.
Historical Context and Significance
- Ancient Roots: For countless generations, the mountain has been a site of profound cultural and spiritual significance for Tasmania's Aboriginal people, who knew it as kunanyi.
- Evolving Nomenclature: Throughout its long history, the mountain has been known by many names, reflecting the different eras and communities that have interacted with it. The gazetting of kunanyi signifies a key moment in acknowledging its original heritage.
Why the Official Recognition of kunanyi?
The official gazettal of kunanyi as the indigenous name serves to:
- Honor and acknowledge the deep historical and cultural connection of Aboriginal people to the land.
- Promote reconciliation and understanding of Indigenous Australian heritage.
- Ensure that the rich history of the mountain, spanning millennia, is appropriately represented in its name.
