Trinity College’s decision to return the Gweagal Spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community marks a significant step towards reconciliation and truth-telling in Australia’s shared history. Trinity College Returns Gweagal Spears to La Perouse Aboriginal Community
The decision follows discussions between the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) at Cambridge University and the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, with loans of the spears for museum displays in Australia in 2015 and 2020. These discussions involved representatives of the Gweagal people, the broader Dharawal Nation, and leading community organizations, including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Gujaga Foundation.
The spears are being permanently repatriated with support from the Australian government’s AIATSIS-led Return of Cultural Heritage Program and the National Museum of Australia. The latter has collaborated with the La Perouse Aboriginal Community for many years and will support the Community in the physical care of the spears as they journey back to Australia.
At a ceremony held in the Wren Library at Trinity College, members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, the Australian government, the MAA, University of Cambridge, AIATSIS, and the National Museum of Australia came together to witness the historic moment. The ceremony included readings from the Voyage Journals of Cook and Banks, as well as statements by representatives of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community.
Ray Ingrey, director of the Gujaga Foundation, described the return of the spears as “momentous,” highlighting their significance as the first point of European contact with Aboriginal Australia.
“For us, it’s a momentous occasion where Australia’s history began, on the shores of Botany Bay at Kurnell, the spears that were undoubtedly taken without permission are returned to the rightful people,” he said.
Noeleen Timbery, a member of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, emphasized the importance of the spears as a connection to the past, traditions, cultural practices, and ancestors.
“Our Elders have worked for many years to see their ownership transferred to the traditional owners of Botany Bay,” she said. “Many of the families within the La Perouse Aboriginal Community are descended from those who were present during the eight days the Endeavour was anchored in Kamay in 1770.”
Master of Trinity, Dame Sally Davies, expressed her delight in being able to return the Gweagal Spears to the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, thanking all parties involved in the process.
Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Professor Nicholas Thomas, highlighted the significance of the spears and the collaborative research projects that will continue with the La Perouse Aboriginal Community.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney hailed the return of the spears as a “significant step forward” in reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and sharing Australia’s national story.
Leonard Hill, interim chief executive of AIATSIS, described the event as a remarkable collaboration and a key aspiration of Australia’s First Nations people. He thanked all involved for their care, commitment, and courage.
Ben Maguire, chair of the National Museum of Australia, expressed his pleasure at the Museum’s role in supporting the return of the spears, emphasizing the milestone in Australia’s shared history and the continued partnership with the La Perouse Aboriginal Community.
The return of the Gweagal Spears represents a meaningful gesture of respect, acknowledgment, and reconciliation, strengthening the bonds between institutions and Indigenous communities and fostering a deeper understanding of Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
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