Gweagal Spears Returned to Country after 250 years

Four Gweagal spears, taken by Lieutenant James Cook and the crew of the HMB Endeavour in 1770, have been returned to Country after over 250 years. 

They’re now part of the Mungari: Fishing, Resistance, Return exhibition at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum, which opened on April 5. 

The exhibition is free and runs for three months. The spears will later be stored at the museum until a permanent home is built for them in Gundal, NSW. 

Image: Image credit: David James, Chau Chak Wing Museum

Produced By: Asad Khan

Featured In Story: Noeleen Timbery – Chair of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council

First aired on The Wire, Monday 14 April 2025