Australia’s highest mountain could become the latest national monument to change from a European name to an Aboriginal one, if the Ngarigo people of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains have their way.
But who was Kosciuszko, and does his name deserve to endure? That question is answered by Australian author Anthony Sharwood in his new book Kosciuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain.
“Kosciuszko was a skilled military engineer who fought in the American Revolutionary War and led a rebellion against the Russians in his native Poland,” Sharwood told Daily Mail Australia.
‘But he was more than just a soldier. Everyone loved Kosciuszko because he was a humanist who tried to free the slaves in America and end serfdom in Poland.
‘George Washington was his greatest fan. Thomas Jefferson called him ‘the purest son of liberty.’ Tsar Paul of Russia loved Kosciuszko so much that he freed him from a Russian prison, even though he had led a revolution against his mother, Catherine the Great.
“Kosciuszko remains morally impeccable. No one has ‘cancelled’ him and it is likely that they never will,” Mr Sharwood added.
Australia’s highest peak was named Mt Kosciuszko in 1840 by Polish explorer Strzelecki, the first European to climb the mountain with the help of two Aboriginal guides.
Now the Aboriginals want the name of their mountain back.
The debate over the name of Australia’s highest mountain has only just begun. Above, a hiker climbed Mount Kosciuszko, which is 2,228 metres above sea level
A portrait of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish national hero who led an uprising against the Russians in Poland and fought in the American Revolutionary War
There is currently no formal proposal before the NSW Geographical Names Board, but Sharwood says it is inevitable the issue will be raised again.
“I don’t know yet what the right name for Kosciuszko is, but I think together we can figure it out,” Cheryl Davison, a woman from Ngarigo, says in the book.
The highlands around Mount Kosciuszko were an important place for the Aboriginals in the summer. Many peoples travelled great distances to meet there for the annual bogong moth festival, but also to trade, hold ceremonies and settle disputes.
Different groups have different names for the mountain, and even the Ngarigo themselves have different names.
A new book – Kosciuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain – is set to reignite the debate over the name of Mount Kosciuszko
“I think we will get through this together,” said Cheryl Davison (pictured) from Ngarigo
One Ngarigo clan prefers the name ‘Kunama Namadgi’, which loosely translates as ‘Snow Mountain’.
But for another clan that means ‘Shitberg’.
Another popular name is Tar Gan Gil, although some believe this was the original name of Mt Townsend, Australia’s second highest peak, just four kilometres from Mt Kosciuszko and only 19 metres lower.
“Whatever the future name of the mountain, one thing is clear,” Sharwood said.
‘Although he lived more than 200 years ago, there are numerous historical documents that tell us that Kosciuszko was a cheerful, good-natured man who hated quarrels.’
Kosciuszko: The Incredible Life of the Man Behind the Mountain is published by Hachette. Paperback suggested retail price $34.99