| In 1770, Captain James Cook and his crew stole spears from First Nations people in Sydney. More than 250 years later, they’re being returned. |
| Four spears carved and used by the Gweagal people in Kamay (Botany Bay) were stolen by Captain James Cook and other English colonisers who came to Australia in 1770. |
| The spears ended up at Cambridge University in the UK a year later. |
| More than 250 years later, Cambridge has returned the spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community in a formal ceremony. |
| They are the earliest artefacts taken by the British from any part of Australia that still exists. |
| Comments |
| Ray Ingrey, director of the Gujaga Foundation at La Perouse: “The spears were pretty much the first point of European contact, particularly British contact with Aboriginal Australia. I think for us it’s a momentous occasion that… the spears that were undoubtedly taken without permission are returned to the rightful people.” |
Reference: The Daily Aus
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