work > The Folk Saints Index

St. Fanny Cochrane Smith, born on March 24, 1834, in Tasmania & passing on May 13, 1905, was a pioneering Tasmanian woman whose life & work symbolized the struggle to preserve her people's culture amidst colonial oppression. As a singer & the last fluent speaker of multiple Tasmanian languages, Smith dedicated herself to recording traditional songs & stories, thus becoming a vital link to her heritage. Her recordings, made in the late 19th century, are now invaluable in understanding & reviving Tasmanian culture.