Whaling and the Minang Connection

Whaling played a significant role in the early history of the Great Southern region. In 1800, European whalers like those aboard the Kingston and Elligood began operating in the area, though they initially made no mention of the Minang, the traditional owners of the land.

By the late 1800s, the involvement of Aboriginal men in whaling had grown. These men were recognized as skilled crew members and were paid the same wages as their European counterparts. Between 1860 and 1880, records show that at least 11 Aboriginal men were part of the whaling crews along the south coast, suggesting that many more were likely involved.

The Minang people had long been accustomed to gatherings and feasts, often centred around whale strandings. When shore whalers began bringing whale carcasses ashore for processing, these traditions adapted, with Minang families and visitors enjoying the available meat. This blend of cultures and practices highlights the rich and evolving history of the region.