First Nations man dressed in colonial naval attire standing on a beach with a large ship not far from the shore
Michael Cook, Undiscovered #4, 2010, nla.obj-708299938

No European Nation has a right to occupy any part of their country, or settle among them without their voluntary consent. Conquest over such people can give no just title; because they could never be the Aggressors. 

Hints Offered to the Consideration of Captain Cook by James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton, President of the Royal Society, 10 August 1768, nla.obj-222969577

The advice provided to Commander James Cook as part of the preparations for the voyage of HMB Endeavour was clear: he was not to claim any land without the consent of the original inhabitants.  

Cook did not follow this advice. On 22 August 1770, despite being fully aware it was inhabited, he claimed the east coast of Australia in the name of King George III. Eighteen years later, the British government established a convict settlement on Gadigal Country, signalling the beginning of the colonisation of Australia. 

First Australians have lived on the Australian continent for more than 65,000 years. They did not cede the land that the British claimed, and they continue to assert their sovereignty. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are advised that the Hopes and Fears exhibition contains images and names of deceased people. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions in the exhibition which reflect the attitudes of the period in which the item was created and may now be considered offensive. If you have concerns or queries, please email: exhibitions@nla.gov.au 

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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