The Initial Reaction of Indigenous Australians to European Arrival

Indigenous Australians have a rich and complex history of interactions with the first European settlers. This article explores the initial reactions of these indigenous people when they first encountered Europeans on their shores.

Incidents and Early Reactions

According to personal accounts passed down through generations, such as those from the Seminole Indians, the first reactions of indigenous people to European arrival were often a mix of curiosity and fear. For example, one account suggests that:

Their very first one was probably along the line of: “Holy shit those are some BIG-ASS boats!”

This statement captures the shock and awe that the indigenous populations likely felt upon seeing these massive ships. After this initial surprise, the indigenous people would have naturally begun trying to understand the intentions of these strange newcomers.

Initial Actions and Reactions

The indigenous people’s actions during this early period varied. Some tried to avoid conflict and explored the newcomers to see what they were about. Others, upon realizing the lands were settle, began to prepare for potential conflict. Still, others sought alliances with these strangers, recognizing the advanced weaponry and potential power they held.

One of them was killed more or less immediately by Cook before he even landed.

Historical records indicate that interactions like this were not uncommon, and the power dynamics between the indigenous people and the European settlers were quickly established. The advanced weaponry of the newcomers often meant that the indigenous people had little choice but to either retreat or prepare for conflict.

Communication and Perception

In terms of communication, the indigenous people used various methods, including signal fires and other forms of communication to warn and inform neighboring tribes of the presence of these strangers. This was a critical aspect of their strategy to deal with the colonizers. Additionally, the documentary series The Frontier Wars on SBS Australia provides a detailed insight into these interactions.

Indigenous chiefs and leaders would approach the strangers who were enemies to their enemies, seeking alliances. This complex network of relationships and alliances was crucial for the indigenous people’s survival in the face of colonisation. Over time, they would learn to navigate this new landscape, recognise different types of white strangers, and form strategic alliances based on these differences.

Against Colonisation and Frontier Wars

From an Aboriginal perspective, the initial reaction to European arrival was not one of acceptance but resistance. These indigenous people fought to expel the English/British settlers and protect their lands. This resistance led to a number of frontier wars, many of which are now remembered and preserved at the Australian War Memorial.

As Captain Cook sailed up the east coast of Australia, he noticed smoke from fires, which served as signal fires used to communicate the presence of strange vessels to neighboring tribes. This system was an early form of securing communication networks between different indigenous communities to warn against potential colonisers.

Conclusion

The initial reactions of indigenous Australians to European arrival were marked by a mix of shock, curiosity, and fear. The establishment of communication networks and strategic alliances were key to their resistance against colonisation. The documentary series The Frontier Wars on SBS Australia provides a valuable insight into these complex relationships and ongoing conflicts.

References

The documentary series The Frontier Wars on SBS Australia. Personal accounts from indigenous communities, particularly the Seminole Indians. Historical records and accounts of early European explorers and interactions.