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

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]
Born1864
Died1949 (Aged 85)
NationalityDharug
Other namesAnthony Martin
CitizenshipBritish
Occupation(s)Toy Maker, Political Activist
Known for
Websitehttp://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10160b.htm

Biography

edit

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

edit
edit

Further reading

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

References

edit