wilson history oration 2024
Thursday 13 June 2024, 6pm-7pm, online
Dr Rachel Buchanan
Out of the Straight-jacket: The art of anti-colonial history
From swamp to chateau to the House of Lords, as Dr Rachel Buchanan researched the wild, globetrotting journey of five magnificent 17th century carvings made by ancestors in Taranaki, she also received an education in the art of anti-colonial history. Through wānanga and discussions with the Hon. Mahara Okeroa and other mentors, Rachel learned how to escape the straight-jacket of historical facts and write a story that is closer to the truth of ongoing tino rangatiratanga - or sovereignty - for Taranaki.
Dr Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki, Te Ātiawa) is a Māori historian who is a manuhiri (guest) on Bunurong land in Naarm-Melbourne. Rachel’s most recent book, Te Motunui Epa, was a co-winner of the 2023 Ernest Scott Prize for History for distinguished historical writing that contributes to the history of Australia or New Zealand, and the 2023 W H Oliver Prize for the best book on any aspect of New Zealand history.
The Wilson History Oration was established in memory of Dr Bill Wilson OAM (1942-2021).
Bill’s contribution to our profession was inspiring. After retiring from an illustrious career in law enforcement, Bill established a second career as a historian. He was a founder of PHA (NT), president of Professional Historians Australia (2004-2007) and - after moving to Victoria in 2008 - vice president of PHA (Vic & Tas). His commitment to our organisation, as well as to the field of public history in Australia, was immense.
Throughout his career in history Bill was a diplomatic and personable leader, and an innovative administrator. Above all, he was a friend and colleague to many, with a great love and respect for the discipline of history.