TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL LIFESTYLE AFTER BRITISH COLONISATION
The colonisation of Australia had a devastating impact on the Indigenous people who had lived on this land for over 60,000 years.
Prior to British settlement, more than 500 Indigenous nations inhabited the Australian continent, approximately 750,000 people in total. (1). Their cultures had developed over 60,000 years, making Indigenous Australians the custodians of the world’s most ancient living culture. Each group lived in close relationship with the land and had custody over their own traditional country. Click here to continue reading from Australianstogether.org.au |
Cultural differences
Click on the button to watch the videos and learn more about what life was like for the Aboriginal people after European settlement.
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Waruwi is an Aboriginal girl looking after her Nana while the rest of her extended family is away from camp. It's just for a day but what a day it turns out to be.
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On 26 January 1788, the British government through Governor Arthur Phillip (1738–1814) claimed sovereignty over the area that Captain James Cook had named New South Wales. They also claimed ownership of the land through the legal concept of terra nullius (land belonging to no-one), ignoring the already existing land ownership and lore of the Indigenous peoples there. Land was at the centre of the conflict between the Sydney clans and the British colonists.
In 1787 Lord Sydney of the Colonial Office had officially recognised the presence of Indigenous inhabitants by giving instructions to Governor Phillip to open friendly communications with them and encourage the convicts and marines to show them kindness. His instructions included measures of protection for the local Indigenous people, and punishments for those who harmed them. The British did not, however, acknowledge Indigenous ownership of the land.
The people of the First Fleet did not understand the ways of the local Indigenous peoples they encountered, and their diaries and journals record the lack of respect that many members of the First Fleet had for local Indigenous people.
The colonists did not understand the diversity of Indigenous Australian nations, each with a distinct language and culture, or the complexity of Indigenous systems of lore. For example, an important understanding is to seek permission to enter another group's country. On seeing the First Fleet, the Cadigal people ran down to the water's edge and shook their spears at them. But the Cadigal people were outnumbered and overpowered by the technology the strangers possessed.
Within a few days of landing at Port Jackson, the new colonists cut down trees, erected tents to house more than 1,000 people and tethered animals. They had claimed the land as Crown land and believed they could take and use anything on the land. The British Government did not acknowledge that Indigenous people had any rights to the land.
A good supply of fresh food was important for the British and when they brought back to shore their large catches of fish they could not understand the expectations of the Cadigal people to receive a portion of the catch. The Cadigal people had a very different way of working, with different value systems to the British. When fish were caught or other food sources gathered it was often customary to share a portion of this with others. The Cadigal people did not have the same concept of private property as the British and shared things communally. They placed less value on possessions that the British highly valued. It was easy for cultural misunderstandings to take place as their world views and languages were very different.
Source: myplace.edu.au
In 1787 Lord Sydney of the Colonial Office had officially recognised the presence of Indigenous inhabitants by giving instructions to Governor Phillip to open friendly communications with them and encourage the convicts and marines to show them kindness. His instructions included measures of protection for the local Indigenous people, and punishments for those who harmed them. The British did not, however, acknowledge Indigenous ownership of the land.
The people of the First Fleet did not understand the ways of the local Indigenous peoples they encountered, and their diaries and journals record the lack of respect that many members of the First Fleet had for local Indigenous people.
The colonists did not understand the diversity of Indigenous Australian nations, each with a distinct language and culture, or the complexity of Indigenous systems of lore. For example, an important understanding is to seek permission to enter another group's country. On seeing the First Fleet, the Cadigal people ran down to the water's edge and shook their spears at them. But the Cadigal people were outnumbered and overpowered by the technology the strangers possessed.
Within a few days of landing at Port Jackson, the new colonists cut down trees, erected tents to house more than 1,000 people and tethered animals. They had claimed the land as Crown land and believed they could take and use anything on the land. The British Government did not acknowledge that Indigenous people had any rights to the land.
A good supply of fresh food was important for the British and when they brought back to shore their large catches of fish they could not understand the expectations of the Cadigal people to receive a portion of the catch. The Cadigal people had a very different way of working, with different value systems to the British. When fish were caught or other food sources gathered it was often customary to share a portion of this with others. The Cadigal people did not have the same concept of private property as the British and shared things communally. They placed less value on possessions that the British highly valued. It was easy for cultural misunderstandings to take place as their world views and languages were very different.
Source: myplace.edu.au
First contact with EuropeansFirst contact with non-Indigenous people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples inhabited the land of Australia for many thousands of years without ever seeing other people. It is believed that with the development of sailing ships and increase in trading that Australia's Indigenous people would have had some contact with people from other countries. Indonesia's close proximity to Australia meant that travel between the two countries was possible. It is believed that the native Indonesian people would visit Australia every year and trade with the Aboriginals or search for new foods to take home with them. This first contact between Australia's Indigenous people and people from other countries occurred in Northern Australia, in parts of Arnhem Land and the Kimberley region. Indonesia had become an area of great interest during the 17th and 18th Century for European traders, especially Dutch sailors. |
The first Europeans to sight the continent of Australia were Dutch navigators. Willem Jansz was believed to have sighted the northern and western coasts of Australia. They did not make any attempt to settle on the land, therefore they did not disturb the Indigenous people already there. William Dampier, an English sailor, also discovered the west coast of Australia, but like the Dutch navigators he did not land or settle on the land. It is documented that both crews encountered hostility and resistance from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples they encountered. This was the beginning of conflicts between Australia's Indigenous people and Europeans.
Both fleets used their expedition to map the coastal area, which they named New Holland (which is today Western Australia).
Initial landing of the Europeans
Aside from the occasional Indonesian trader or curious European sailor, the majority of the Australian Indigenous population had never seen other humans for many thousands of years. Yet, during the late 18th century, this would all change as the Europeans began to explore and inhabit Australia.
During 1770, Captain James Cook, a British Lieutenant, landed his ship the Endeavour at Botany Bay in New South Wales. Two Indigenous people from the area were unhappy and tried to stop Cook and his crew from coming ashore. Cook's crew were greater in number and were able to overpower them. They raised the British flag, which represented the taking of possession of land (Australia) for the King of England. Cook explored further along the coast of Australia before returning to Britain with the news of his discoveries and encounters.
This initial journey marked the beginning of great changes to the landscape of Australia and for the local Indigenous people who lived there. The British believed they could settle on this new land in New South Wales, which would also fix their issue of having many lawbreakers (convicts) and not enough prisons to house them.
The First Fleet and first contact with local inhabitants18 years after Captain James Cook had discovered the eastern coast of Australia the British began to implement their plans for settlement on this new land. On January 26 1788, a fleet of eleven ships, known as the First Fleet, arrived at an Australian port, Port Jackson (which today is generally called Sydney Harbour). The fleet, which was captained by Arthur Phillip, arrived with approximately 1500 people who were going to settle on this new land. Half of these people were criminals (convicts) sent to Australia to ease the prison system in Britain.
The settlers encountered the Indigenous communities, who tried to resist these strangers to their land. They used their spears to try and frighten the English, but the English had guns and were able to scare the Indigenous people away.
Conflict between the Indigenous people and the English continued as the visitors took over more and more land for farming and settlements. The Indigenous people's strong connection with the land was being disrespected as the English used it for their own needs. Many Indigenous people were killed by the new settlers and many more were forced off their ancestral land and became displaced.
British attitudes of superiority
The differences between the British settlers and the Indigenous people were enormous (lifestyle, language, clothing, economics and diet) which made it difficult for both groups to understand each other. The English, who had invaded a traditional lifestyle, showed little willingness to understand the Indigenous peoples. They did not understand the complexity of the Indigenous lifestyle, because it was so different from their own lives.
The British people's negative attitude towards Australia's Indigenous population continued after they settled. The Indigenous people continued trying to fight for their land. This resulted in the British taking many of them prisoner. The differences in attitude and beliefs and the conflicts between the two groups continued for much of the two centuries following the arrival of the First Fleet.
(Source: Skwirk.com.au)
Both fleets used their expedition to map the coastal area, which they named New Holland (which is today Western Australia).
Initial landing of the Europeans
Aside from the occasional Indonesian trader or curious European sailor, the majority of the Australian Indigenous population had never seen other humans for many thousands of years. Yet, during the late 18th century, this would all change as the Europeans began to explore and inhabit Australia.
During 1770, Captain James Cook, a British Lieutenant, landed his ship the Endeavour at Botany Bay in New South Wales. Two Indigenous people from the area were unhappy and tried to stop Cook and his crew from coming ashore. Cook's crew were greater in number and were able to overpower them. They raised the British flag, which represented the taking of possession of land (Australia) for the King of England. Cook explored further along the coast of Australia before returning to Britain with the news of his discoveries and encounters.
This initial journey marked the beginning of great changes to the landscape of Australia and for the local Indigenous people who lived there. The British believed they could settle on this new land in New South Wales, which would also fix their issue of having many lawbreakers (convicts) and not enough prisons to house them.
The First Fleet and first contact with local inhabitants18 years after Captain James Cook had discovered the eastern coast of Australia the British began to implement their plans for settlement on this new land. On January 26 1788, a fleet of eleven ships, known as the First Fleet, arrived at an Australian port, Port Jackson (which today is generally called Sydney Harbour). The fleet, which was captained by Arthur Phillip, arrived with approximately 1500 people who were going to settle on this new land. Half of these people were criminals (convicts) sent to Australia to ease the prison system in Britain.
The settlers encountered the Indigenous communities, who tried to resist these strangers to their land. They used their spears to try and frighten the English, but the English had guns and were able to scare the Indigenous people away.
Conflict between the Indigenous people and the English continued as the visitors took over more and more land for farming and settlements. The Indigenous people's strong connection with the land was being disrespected as the English used it for their own needs. Many Indigenous people were killed by the new settlers and many more were forced off their ancestral land and became displaced.
British attitudes of superiority
The differences between the British settlers and the Indigenous people were enormous (lifestyle, language, clothing, economics and diet) which made it difficult for both groups to understand each other. The English, who had invaded a traditional lifestyle, showed little willingness to understand the Indigenous peoples. They did not understand the complexity of the Indigenous lifestyle, because it was so different from their own lives.
The British people's negative attitude towards Australia's Indigenous population continued after they settled. The Indigenous people continued trying to fight for their land. This resulted in the British taking many of them prisoner. The differences in attitude and beliefs and the conflicts between the two groups continued for much of the two centuries following the arrival of the First Fleet.
(Source: Skwirk.com.au)
Curiosity and conflict
The relationship between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Europeans in Australia was both good and bad during settlement. Their differences made it difficult for each group to understand the other, culturally and spiritually. A lack of common lifestyle elements and the inability to verbally communicate meant that issues arose. These issues often resulted in violent conflicts. Initial acts of goodwill by the EuropeansThe First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) in 1788 and people began to inhabit the local land. This land belonged to the Eora Indigenous people, who were curious about the new arrivals, just as the Europeans were curious about them. At first the Indigenous groups kept their distance from the newcomers and the two groups managed to co-exist on the land with little conflict. |
During 1789, Sydney's Governor Arthur Philip became interested in befriending and communicating with the Indigenous people. He was hoping to improve relationships between them and the Europeans. Philip's troops managed to capture an Indigenous man, Bennelong, who they chained and returned to the settlement. Bennelong became a confidant of Philip and they each taught the other about their different cultures. Philip allowed Bennelong to stay in the settlement when he wanted to, and he slowly integrated into the new European culture. Bennelong also travelled to England with Philip when he retired. Bennelong returned 18 months later, much changed and greatly influenced by the English culture he had encountered on his journey. He found it difficult to return to his old life and became involved in crime.
Early Europeans in Australia also developed relationships with Indigenous people in the hope that they would teach them about the Australian landscape. Many Indigenous people became guides for the new Europeans. They showed the newcomers the country, their tracks, how to find water and bush food, and which areas were good for camping.
Unfortunately, the Europeans did not understand the Indigenous people's relationship with the land. The newcomers saw Australia as uninhabited land that needed to be used. They also believed that it was their right to impose their lifestyle onto the new country and the people they met. This resulted in bad feelings between the two groups, as the Indigenous people became angry about the way the land was being used.
Indigenous opinions of the British
The initial reaction of Australia's Indigenous people towards the British was confrontational. The Indigenous people did not know who the British people were and so they reacted with aggression in an attempt to make them leave, so as to protect their land.
Over time, the Indigenous people realised the strength and weapons the British had, and fled from the area (Sydney). Some Indigenous groups did attempt to include the newcomers into their way of life. However, the visitors had their own ideas and ways of life and they failed to take on traditional ways. Escaped convicts were the exception. Many ran into the bush trying to get away from the Europeans. Many convicts were taken in by Indigenous groups, who were pleased to involve these foreigners.
Indigenous people had strong belief systems, which included sharing, respecting the land, respecting sacred places and respecting each other. The behaviours of the early Europeans (not sharing, being selfish and using the land in a disrespectful manner) led the Indigenous people to believe they were greedy, selfish and lacked respect, especially towards the land.
The Indigenous people from around Sydney, the Eora group, could not understand the way the Europeans used and destroyed the land. The Europeans' treatment of the land angered the Eora people and they reacted with violence. This resulted in many conflicts.
Incidences of violence in the Sydney areaSydney was the location of the first settlement in Australia and was also the location of many conflicts between Europeans and the Eora group. Many conflicts related to the land and how it was being used by the Europeans. Eora warriors, led by a man named Pemulwuy, fought for the land and the Europeans retaliated on a much larger scale. Many deaths resulted from these conflicts.
Europeans attacked the Indigenous people's camps and were reported to have shot the elderly, women, and children while the men were away on hunting trips.
The Eora men would retaliate again by using the weapons they had. The use of fire destroyed much of the European settlement (farms, houses, small towns, crops, livestock and people). Warriors were imprisoned if they were captured.
As the settlement grew (into the Blue Mountains), more conflicts erupted as more Indigenous groups became angered by the destruction of land and sacred sites. Unfortunately these conflicts resulted in injuries, destruction and death.
Violent incidents in later colonies
Violent conflicts also continued in later colonies. Two of the most well-known are the Black Line in Tasmania and the Myall Creek massacre in Inverell (northern New South Wales).
The 'Black Line' in Tasmania refers to a period of time in the early 1800's. Settlers to the island were quick to develop and use as much land as possible on the island. Conflict with the Indigenous peoples of the area was constant and many deaths resulted throughout the years. During 1930 Governor Arthur devised a plan to round up and capture all the Indigenous people (men, women and children) in the south-eastern area of Tasmania. He led 2000 soldiers, who walked in a line through the bush, for seven weeks searching for Indigenous people. They found two people during the time, but tensions continued to worsen on the island. Eventually many of the Indigenous people were moved to the Flinders Island settlement, where the population dwindled until they were sent back to Tasmania in 1847.
The Myall Creek massacre occurred in 1831 after the spearing and death of two white men. Settlers believed the Indigenous groups were responsible and became angry. They were not happy with the local authority's investigation, and decided to take matters into their own hands. The angry men armed themselves with guns and weapons and travelled to the closest Indigenous campsite, which was in Myall Creek. They captured 28 people (men, women and children) who were then taken to a remote location. The 28 people protested their innocence but the men did not believe them and killed them all.
These sorts of incidents had happened previously but without interference from the authorities. The Myall Creek massacre was different and the men responsible were put on trial for the crime. They were found guilty of murder and hanged. This was a first, and showed other people that crimes against Indigenous people were not going to be tolerated.
Early Europeans in Australia also developed relationships with Indigenous people in the hope that they would teach them about the Australian landscape. Many Indigenous people became guides for the new Europeans. They showed the newcomers the country, their tracks, how to find water and bush food, and which areas were good for camping.
Unfortunately, the Europeans did not understand the Indigenous people's relationship with the land. The newcomers saw Australia as uninhabited land that needed to be used. They also believed that it was their right to impose their lifestyle onto the new country and the people they met. This resulted in bad feelings between the two groups, as the Indigenous people became angry about the way the land was being used.
Indigenous opinions of the British
The initial reaction of Australia's Indigenous people towards the British was confrontational. The Indigenous people did not know who the British people were and so they reacted with aggression in an attempt to make them leave, so as to protect their land.
Over time, the Indigenous people realised the strength and weapons the British had, and fled from the area (Sydney). Some Indigenous groups did attempt to include the newcomers into their way of life. However, the visitors had their own ideas and ways of life and they failed to take on traditional ways. Escaped convicts were the exception. Many ran into the bush trying to get away from the Europeans. Many convicts were taken in by Indigenous groups, who were pleased to involve these foreigners.
Indigenous people had strong belief systems, which included sharing, respecting the land, respecting sacred places and respecting each other. The behaviours of the early Europeans (not sharing, being selfish and using the land in a disrespectful manner) led the Indigenous people to believe they were greedy, selfish and lacked respect, especially towards the land.
The Indigenous people from around Sydney, the Eora group, could not understand the way the Europeans used and destroyed the land. The Europeans' treatment of the land angered the Eora people and they reacted with violence. This resulted in many conflicts.
Incidences of violence in the Sydney areaSydney was the location of the first settlement in Australia and was also the location of many conflicts between Europeans and the Eora group. Many conflicts related to the land and how it was being used by the Europeans. Eora warriors, led by a man named Pemulwuy, fought for the land and the Europeans retaliated on a much larger scale. Many deaths resulted from these conflicts.
Europeans attacked the Indigenous people's camps and were reported to have shot the elderly, women, and children while the men were away on hunting trips.
The Eora men would retaliate again by using the weapons they had. The use of fire destroyed much of the European settlement (farms, houses, small towns, crops, livestock and people). Warriors were imprisoned if they were captured.
As the settlement grew (into the Blue Mountains), more conflicts erupted as more Indigenous groups became angered by the destruction of land and sacred sites. Unfortunately these conflicts resulted in injuries, destruction and death.
Violent incidents in later colonies
Violent conflicts also continued in later colonies. Two of the most well-known are the Black Line in Tasmania and the Myall Creek massacre in Inverell (northern New South Wales).
The 'Black Line' in Tasmania refers to a period of time in the early 1800's. Settlers to the island were quick to develop and use as much land as possible on the island. Conflict with the Indigenous peoples of the area was constant and many deaths resulted throughout the years. During 1930 Governor Arthur devised a plan to round up and capture all the Indigenous people (men, women and children) in the south-eastern area of Tasmania. He led 2000 soldiers, who walked in a line through the bush, for seven weeks searching for Indigenous people. They found two people during the time, but tensions continued to worsen on the island. Eventually many of the Indigenous people were moved to the Flinders Island settlement, where the population dwindled until they were sent back to Tasmania in 1847.
The Myall Creek massacre occurred in 1831 after the spearing and death of two white men. Settlers believed the Indigenous groups were responsible and became angry. They were not happy with the local authority's investigation, and decided to take matters into their own hands. The angry men armed themselves with guns and weapons and travelled to the closest Indigenous campsite, which was in Myall Creek. They captured 28 people (men, women and children) who were then taken to a remote location. The 28 people protested their innocence but the men did not believe them and killed them all.
These sorts of incidents had happened previously but without interference from the authorities. The Myall Creek massacre was different and the men responsible were put on trial for the crime. They were found guilty of murder and hanged. This was a first, and showed other people that crimes against Indigenous people were not going to be tolerated.
Traditional Life and Illness
Australia's Indigenous people traditionally led very healthy lifestyles. Their diet consisted of a great variety of fruits and vegetables which they found fresh on the land. They also ate animal meats and fish which balanced their healthy diets. Before the European settlers arrived in Australia, Indigenous people did not suffer greatly from disease and were not often sick. Minor ailments that they did suffer from were most often related to the environment they lived in (snake bites, skin irritations, burns from fires), injuries they received from their lifestyle (walking over rugged landscapes, climbing trees for food) and the quality of the food they ate. These ailments were always treated by traditional means that included using local plants to produce their own medicines.
The most difficult and common illness that affected the Indigenous people was eye irritations. This was due to their lifestyle and the landscape, which exposed the population to a lot of dust and glare which is common in Australia. The health of the Indigenous people actually worked against them when the Europeans arrived. Because of the lack of illness amongst Indigenous people, they had not built up a natural resistance to disease, which became evident when the Europeans brought diseases to Australia. |
Introduction of Disease
The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 not only brought new people and lifestyles to Australia but also new diseases. These diseases had a hugely negative effect on Australia's Indigenous population, as they were not even able to resist a common cold. Because they had never been exposed to these diseases before, the consequences were often deadly.
British explorers unknowingly exposed Australia's Indigenous people to many varieties of disease, such as smallpox, tuberculosis, influenza, measles, whooping cough and the common cold. In 1789, a year after the First Fleet arrived, a smallpox outbreak killed many of the Indigenous people that lived in the Sydney area. The smallpox epidemic rapidly spread to surrounding communities increasing the number of victims.
As the settlement in Australia continued to grow, so did the Indigenous people's exposure to different diseases. These diseases drastically reduced the number of Indigenous people in Australia. The remaining people were devastated by the huge numbers of deaths in their communities.
Indigenous people tried to use their traditional medicines to fight the different diseases, but this proved unsuccessful. Not only were the medicines not strong enough but the European settlers had destroyed many of the resources, normally found on the land, that were used for illness relief.
British explorers unknowingly exposed Australia's Indigenous people to many varieties of disease, such as smallpox, tuberculosis, influenza, measles, whooping cough and the common cold. In 1789, a year after the First Fleet arrived, a smallpox outbreak killed many of the Indigenous people that lived in the Sydney area. The smallpox epidemic rapidly spread to surrounding communities increasing the number of victims.
As the settlement in Australia continued to grow, so did the Indigenous people's exposure to different diseases. These diseases drastically reduced the number of Indigenous people in Australia. The remaining people were devastated by the huge numbers of deaths in their communities.
Indigenous people tried to use their traditional medicines to fight the different diseases, but this proved unsuccessful. Not only were the medicines not strong enough but the European settlers had destroyed many of the resources, normally found on the land, that were used for illness relief.
Malnutrition
Along with the devastating effects of disease, Australia's Indigenous people also suffered greatly from malnutrition (illness from lack of healthy food) as a result of the European's growing settlement. The Indigenous population began to fall into two categories: those who worked for the settlers, and those who tried to maintain their traditional lifestyle. Both groups suffered from malnutrition.
The European settlement produced new industries in Australia which required workers. Government-run businesses and livestock farms created positions for Indigenous people who were able to work for food. Unfortunately this food was often inadequate, especially compared to their traditional diets. Flour, sugar, tea and occasionally bits of meat were their payment for a day's work. These rations were basic and, for some, supplemented other food that they still found on the land. For others this is all they had.
Those who still relied on the land for their food also faced issues. The local developments, put in place by the settlers, meant that much of the land, and thus the food supply, was destroyed. The loss of land meant Indigenous people were no longer able to hunt and gather food as they had always done. Trees and plants were removed or destroyed, waterways were dirtied and large animals fled at the sight of many people. This reduced the amount of food they could obtain, which led to malnutrition and even starvation in some of the more remote areas.
Some Indigenous people were lucky if they lived in fertile areas near the coast. These areas had greater amounts of food and fish, and allowed them to maintain their traditional diet after the arrival of the Europeans.
Traditional Indigenous lifestyles suffered greatly from the loss of many friends and family (from disease and malnutrition). Their spirit for life, strong kinship system and their links with past generations began to suffer. Many traditions broke down as a result. Birth rates dropped and traditional society suffered.
(Source: Skwirk.com.au)
The European settlement produced new industries in Australia which required workers. Government-run businesses and livestock farms created positions for Indigenous people who were able to work for food. Unfortunately this food was often inadequate, especially compared to their traditional diets. Flour, sugar, tea and occasionally bits of meat were their payment for a day's work. These rations were basic and, for some, supplemented other food that they still found on the land. For others this is all they had.
Those who still relied on the land for their food also faced issues. The local developments, put in place by the settlers, meant that much of the land, and thus the food supply, was destroyed. The loss of land meant Indigenous people were no longer able to hunt and gather food as they had always done. Trees and plants were removed or destroyed, waterways were dirtied and large animals fled at the sight of many people. This reduced the amount of food they could obtain, which led to malnutrition and even starvation in some of the more remote areas.
Some Indigenous people were lucky if they lived in fertile areas near the coast. These areas had greater amounts of food and fish, and allowed them to maintain their traditional diet after the arrival of the Europeans.
Traditional Indigenous lifestyles suffered greatly from the loss of many friends and family (from disease and malnutrition). Their spirit for life, strong kinship system and their links with past generations began to suffer. Many traditions broke down as a result. Birth rates dropped and traditional society suffered.
(Source: Skwirk.com.au)
Early governments and legislation
British Law and early governors
The arrival of the Europeans in Australia in 1788 was the beginning of huge changes to the Indigenous lifestyle. Upon arrival in Sydney, the Europeans applied British law onto the land and the people there, claimed sovereignty (independence and self-government) of New South Wales, and claimed ownership of all the land they found there. They did this, despite the presence of Indigenous people who had their own laws and different land ownership rules.
British law was implemented because the arrivals believed in European superiority. They did not try to understand the Indigenous culture or laws.
Australia had been declared terra nullius by Captain Cook (1770), which is why the Europeans believed they were able to legally use any land they found. This meant that the Indigenous people became trespassers on their own land. Indigenous people were treated differently under British law, especially compared to non-Indigenous people.
British law was implemented because the arrivals believed in European superiority. They did not try to understand the Indigenous culture or laws.
Australia had been declared terra nullius by Captain Cook (1770), which is why the Europeans believed they were able to legally use any land they found. This meant that the Indigenous people became trespassers on their own land. Indigenous people were treated differently under British law, especially compared to non-Indigenous people.
Terra Nullius
The idea of Australia being terra nullius involved two things. One, the country was without sovereign (government or a ruling class), as recognised by the Europeans; and two, the Europeans believed that no-one owned the land. The Europeans came to these conclusions based on their lack of knowledge about the Indigenous culture and their belief in European power.
They did not recognise that Australia's Indigenous people did use, and therefore should have a legal right over the land (under British law). Instead they concluded that the Indigenous people ranged over the land and never settled, which was untrue. They also viewed (wrongly) the Indigenous people as non-workers who did not engage in trade, construction or manufacturing and therefore did not deserve property rights.
They did not recognise that Australia's Indigenous people did use, and therefore should have a legal right over the land (under British law). Instead they concluded that the Indigenous people ranged over the land and never settled, which was untrue. They also viewed (wrongly) the Indigenous people as non-workers who did not engage in trade, construction or manufacturing and therefore did not deserve property rights.
Early Laws and Policies
Although Australia had become lawful, under British law, Indigenous people were treated very differently to non-Indigenous people. The first Governor, Arthur Philip, had been advised to treat the Indigenous people of Australia fairly. Europeans attempted to teach the Indigenous people about the new laws when Governor Arthur had posters made and nailed to trees in the area. The posters were used to show Indigenous people that equal punishments would be used on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
However, when Indigenous people began fighting for their land, new policies and laws were implemented. During the early 1900s martial law (aggressive law) was declared in Tasmania which meant there was effectively a war on Indigenous people. It became legal to shoot Indigenous people on sight. Relationships continued to be tense and fights and bloodshed were common, which resulted in Indigenous people losing their human and land rights. |