I still think these protests would make a better point if they actually targeted colonisers. Arthur Philip as I said for Sydney, and John Fawkner or Richard Bourke would make ideal protests for Melbourne. Everyone hates on John Batman, but Batman’s treaty (while wildly unfair) is the only European document of the 19th century to recognise Aboriginal land rights. Its existence challenges the whole concept of Terra Nullius and is why Richard Bourke declared the whole settlement on the Yarra illegal.
This is the stuff we should be discussing and educating people about. Not James Cook - his role in Australian history is exaggerated because people of English heritage 100 years ago credited him with “discovering” Australia. Which of course, we know he did not do.
He was more than just an explorer, and the cultural impact of him extends an even deeper meaning to Aboriginal people.
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/an-honest-reckoning-with-captain-cooks-legacy-wont-heal-things-overnight-but-its-a-start/u9563wets
Like the guy literally had secret, sealed instructions to take control of the continent.
https://www.nla.gov.au/digital-classroom/senior-secondary/cook-and-pacific/indigenous-responses-cook-and-his-voyage/secret
He’s also one of the first British people to shoot an Aboriginal person.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/books/captain-cook-s-landing-in-australia-and-the-shot-that-rang-through-history-20191023-p533i4.html
None of these links refute the fact that James Cook did not colonise the country. That first link is actually a partial transcription of a really great interview I recommend listening to.
I still think these protests would make a better point if they actually targeted colonisers. Arthur Philip as I said for Sydney, and John Fawkner or Richard Bourke would make ideal protests for Melbourne. Everyone hates on John Batman, but Batman’s treaty (while wildly unfair) is the only European document of the 19th century to recognise Aboriginal land rights. Its existence challenges the whole concept of Terra Nullius and is why Richard Bourke declared the whole settlement on the Yarra illegal.
This is the stuff we should be discussing and educating people about. Not James Cook - his role in Australian history is exaggerated because people of English heritage 100 years ago credited him with “discovering” Australia. Which of course, we know he did not do.