Fanny Cochrane Smith

Fanny Cochrane Smith was an Aboriginal Tasmanian (Palawa) woman considered to be the last fluent speaker of an Aboriginal Tasmanian language. Born at the Wybalenna Aboriginal Establishment in 1834, she married in 1854 and spent much of her life in Port Cygnet. She attracted fame due to claims that she was the last surviving "full-blooded" Aboriginal Tasmanian, and was subjected to studies and public debate over her Aboriginal identity. She also became known for her public performances of Aboriginal songs.