On May 8, 1876, Truganini, a Nuenonne woman of the Palawa people and one of the most well-known Aboriginal Tasmanians, died in Hobart at the age of 73. Often falsely labeled “the last full-blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal,” her death was weaponized by colonial authorities to promote the idea that Tasmanian Aboriginal people had become extinct—a dangerous myth that lingers in public consciousness even today.

Truganini had witnessed and endured the devastating impacts of genocide, forced relocation, and the Black War. Her story became a symbol of resilience and trauma under British colonization. In truth, many Aboriginal Tasmanians survived and continued their cultural lineage. The Palawa community remains strong, and the false narrative of extinction continues to be challenged by scholars and descendants alike.