Global InformationKikatapula information
Kikatapula | |
|---|---|
 Painting of Kikatapula by Thomas Bock | |
| Born | c. 1800 |
| Died | 13 May 1832 Emu Bay |
| Other names | Kickerterpoller, Black Tom, Black Tom Birch, Kikatamana |
| Spouse | Pagerly (Tuererningher) |
Kikatapula (c. 1800 – 13 May 1832) was a leading Indigenous figure during the British invasion and colonisation of Van Diemen's Land, later known as Tasmania. Also called Kickerterpoller or Black Tom Birch, he spent part of his youth living with the colonists, learning English and being baptised as a Christian. During the 1820s, he withdrew from British ways, and became a feared and formidable leader of Indigenous resistance during the early stages of the Black War.
He was eventually caught and jailed and, with limited options, he agreed to act as a guide for a roving party of armed colonists to capture other Aboriginal Tasmanians or Palawa as they are also known. Kikatapula was then ordered to accompany George Augustus Robinson on his 'friendly mission' to round up the remaining Indigenous people and exile them to Flinders Island. After the successful removal of the most notable Palawa (including himself), Kikatapula died guiding Robinson during a later expedition in 1832.[1]
- ^ Cox, Robert (2021). Broken Spear. Mile End: Wakefield Press. ISBN 9781743058671.