Lesson sequence 5

The Gweagal

The Gweagal people had been living on the land for thousands of years. When the Endeavour arrived in 1770 it would have been a most unusual sight. They had never seen a ship like the Endeavour. They had never seen people of white skin.

From the shore

Australian Aboriginal people first sighted the HMB Endeavour sailing along the east coast at Point Hicks, Victoria.

As the Endeavour sailed north towards Kamay, the crew of the Endeavour noticed smoke from little fires dotted along the coastline.

Joseph Banks recorded in this journal:

• 25 April 1770 – Large fires were lighted this morn about 10 O’Clock, we supposd that the gentlemen ashore had a plentifull breakfast to prepare... All the fires were put out about 5 O’Clock... Bank's journal 25 April 1770

• 26 April 1770 – …fires were seen during the day the same as yesterday... Bank's journal 26 April 1770

To do

• View the video Cook's arrival at Kamay: A Dharawal perspective.

• Why do you think there was smoke and fire visible all along the coast as the ship sailed along? Brainstorm a list of ideas.

• Do you think the fires might have been smoke signals to alert others that something special was happening?

Activity 1 – sailing up the coast

Examine the painting showing the Gweagal people's first sighting the Endeavour.

• Think of some adjectives to describe how you would be feeling as the ship approached the land.

• How would you react if you saw this unusual sight? What would you do?

• Looking at the men, what do you notice about them?

Write an account of what Dr Williams' ancestors saw as the vessel sailed along the coast and into the heads of Kamay Botany Bay.

Use first person voice to write from the point of view of the people on the shore, the Gweagal of Kamay. Remember – first person voice is telling the story from the character's perspective - I saw/we saw..., I felt/we felt..., I heard/we heard...

Activity 2 – empathy

It is very difficult for us to understand how the Gweagal people might have been feeling, when they first saw the Endeavour sail into Botany Bay.

Use the activity sheets to help develop your understanding of how the Gweagal people may have been feeling.

• Can you imagine – part 1 activity sheet to see if you can walk in their footsteps.

• Can you imagine – part 2 activity sheet

Perspectives

Arthur Phillip sailed into Botany Bay 18 years after James Cook had first visited the area. By this time the events of his original arrival had been recounted many times in writing, artworks and orally.

Historical facts can be changed over time due to the point of view and interpretation of the creator. This can result in false information.

Activity 3 - perspectives

• Record some of the things you know to reflect a view from the shore and a view from the ship using the shore and ship activity sheet, or

• Tell both sides of a story using the perspectives activity sheet.