Two and a half centuries after James Cook stole them from their ancestors, the Gweagal clan of the Dharawal people in Australia are finally getting four of their spears back.These four Indigenous spears, brought to England by Captain James Cook more than 250 years ago, are being repatriated to the Gweagal clan of the Dharawal people in Australia.
From left to right: Australian diplomat Elisabeth Bowes, Leonard Hill of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith, and Noeleen Timbery of La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council. That's why, roughly 20 years ago, community elder Shayne Williams approached Cambridge University to have the spears returned.
Ingrey was joined by other members of the Gweagal clan of the Dharawal people at Cambridge University for the official return on April 23. Ray Ingrey, director of the Gujaga Foundation, said he hopes the community can continue working together with cultural institutions like Cambridge University's museum to showcase culturally important materials and practices.
"It wasn't just about us holding, receiving cultural materials that were taken from from our part of Australia," he said.