Anthony Fernando

Anthony Martin Fernando
Pinned to Anthony Fernando's coat, in front of Australia House (1928) were scores of small, white, toy skeletons and he wore a placard proclaiming: "This is all Australia has left of my people."[1]
Born 1864
Died 1949 (Aged 85)
Nationality Dharug
Other names Anthony Martin
Citizenship British
Occupation Toy Maker, Political Activist
Known for
Website http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10160b.htm

Anthony Martin Fernando (6 April 1864–9 January 1949) was an early Aboriginal Australian toymaker and early political activist.[1]

Biography

Fernando was born in Woolloomooloo, New South Wales as a member of the Dharug nation.[1] He spent most of his life in "self-imposed" exile, overseas, protesting and publicising the injustices inflicted upon himself, his people, and Aboriginal Australians generally:[2]

...'his long grey beard damp with mist, his frail elderly frame wrapped in a large overcoat'. Pinned to his coat were scores of small, white, toy skeletons and he wore a placard proclaiming: 'This is all Australia has left of my people'[1]

He died in the East London town of Ilford on 9 January 1949.[1]

On-line newspaper articles

  • ""A JOKE." - Anthony Martin Fernando, an Australian aboriginal, had arrived at Berne seeking support for .. a certain district in North Australia .. being reserved for aborigines". The Brisbane Courier. 30 June 1921. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  • ""NOT SAVAGES. ABORIGINAL'S PLEA. TREATMENT BY WHITES DENOUNCED." - Anthony Martin Fernando (aged 65 years), toy hawker, an aboriginal, born near Sydney, was remanded for a month at the Old Bailey". The Brisbane Courier. 2 February 1929. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  • ""FARMER COMES TO HIS AID: ELDERLY BLACK IN COURT"." - The intervention of an elderly Essex farmer saved an Australian aborigine, Anthony Fernando, aged 73 years .. from being sent to prison. '". The Argus. 21 January 1938. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  • Steve Meacham, "Aboriginal activist campaigned in Europe 100 years ago", Sydney Morning Herald, May 27, 2012.

Further reading

  • Fiona Paisley, The Lone Protestor - A M Fernando in Australia and Europe. Aboriginal Studies Press, 2012.

References

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