In 1770 Rodney Kelly’s ancestor Cooman was shot in the leg and wounded by Captain Cook’s marines at Botany Bay.
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The Bermagui man is now one step closer to returning an important part of Australian history, locked away for centuries half way around the world.
Late last week Mr Kelly received an official email from the British Museum confirming museum staff will meet him to discuss the return of a shield and a number of spears taken after the Gweagal people’s encounter with Cook’s men on that fateful day.
“I think the shield and spear should be treated as a national treasure,” Mr Kelly said after hearing the news.
“Just like Ned Kelly’s armour is a national treasure, the shield and spears also should be.”
Although he has received confirmation, Mr Kelly needs to physically travel to London for the meeting, and despite growing public support, he lacks the financial means to do so.
Despite receiving a number of online donations Mr Kelly said he may have to make his first trip overseas alone, not wanting to miss the opportunity to discuss the return of the items after 246 years.
“All Australians will benefit from what I am trying to do,” he said.
“I’m doing this not only for my people but for all Australian people.”
Mr Kelly has been documenting his battle for the return of the items with British filmmaker James Berry who he met while taking a walk up Gulaga Mountain.
His eight-year-old daughter Shakira is also excited by the news and wants to join her father on the journey to return the artefacts.
“I feel sad that a big part of my history is kept half way around the world in museums and I would love to have them back in Australia so I can see and learn my family history,” Shakira said.
“I’ll put ochre on me and play the clap sticks for dad.
“I also really want to meet the Queen and see where she lives.”
Mr Kelly will be hosting an hour long lecture on his battle with the museum on June 4 at the University of Sydney’s Macleay Museum.
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