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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
