Pemulwuy: Warrior, Resistance Leader, and the Fight for Repatriation
Pemulwuy, an Aboriginal warrior from the Bidjigal people, is remembered as one of Australia’s first resistance leaders. In the late 18th century, Pemulwuy led a fierce campaign against British colonists, defying attempts to displace and subjugate Indigenous peoples.
Known for his guerrilla tactics, Pemulwuy resisted colonial expansion in the area around Sydney for over a decade until he was killed in 1802.
However, his defiance did not end with his death. The removal of his head—and the modern-day quest to locate and return it to Australia—has become a symbol of the ongoing fight for Indigenous justice and sovereignty.
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Pemulwuy’s Resistance
Pemulwuy’s resistance began in 1790, two years after the British established their colony in Sydney. Driven by a profound sense of responsibility to protect his land and people, Pemulwuy spearheaded attacks against settlers, raiding farms, burning crops, and challenging the colony’s expansion.
Colonial authorities considered him a dangerous threat, and he was declared an outlaw with a reward placed on his head.
Despite being shot and captured in 1797, Pemulwuy managed to escape, continuing his rebellion for several more years. His ability to evade capture earned him a near-mythical status among both Aboriginal groups and the British. For Aboriginal communities, Pemulwuy became a symbol of strength, courage, and resistance against colonization.
Pemulwuy was eventually killed in 1802, reportedly by Henry Hacking, a settler and experienced tracker. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in the Aboriginal resistance, but what followed—his decapitation and the removal of his head to England—added another layer to his story.
The Removal of Pemulwuy’s Head
After Pemulwuy’s death, his head was severed and sent to England. Governor Philip Gidley King, in his accompanying letter to botanist Sir Joseph Banks, wrote:
“Although a terrible pest to the colony, he was a brave and independent character.”
The decision to send Pemulwuy’s head to England reflected a grim practice among colonists: displaying or preserving the remains of Indigenous warriors as trophies of conquest. This act symbolized not only the physical defeat of resistance but also an attempt to erase Indigenous autonomy and power.
Pemulwuy’s head reportedly became part of a private collection in England. However, over time, records of its whereabouts were lost. Today, the mystery surrounding his remains has become a focal point in efforts to honor his legacy and right historical wrongs.
The Campaign for Repatriation
The National Museum of Australia has been working closely with the British Ministry for the Arts in a concerted effort to locate Pemulwuy’s remains and bring them back to Australia. This campaign has gathered momentum in recent years, representing more than just the return of an artifact—it symbolizes a recognition of Aboriginal history and the importance of healing through repatriation.
In 2010, Prince William boosted the campaign by promising to support the search for Pemulwuy’s skull. His involvement gave the cause international attention, offering hope to those working to reclaim this piece of Australia’s history.
Later, when Christopher Pyne served as Australia’s Education Minister, he personally advocated for the British Natural History Museum to accelerate efforts to find and return Pemulwuy’s remains.
While the search for Pemulwuy’s skull has yet to yield results, the campaign highlights the broader movement for Indigenous repatriation. Thousands of Aboriginal human remains, taken during colonial times, are held in museums and institutions across Europe, awaiting their return to the communities from which they were taken.
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A Legacy of Resistance and Reconciliation
Pemulwuy’s story resonates deeply with Aboriginal communities today. His defiance of colonial rule and his refusal to surrender have made him a figure of inspiration in the struggle for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
The campaign to recover his remains is more than an effort to bring him home—it is part of a larger process of reconciliation and recognition of Australia’s dark colonial past.
Returning Pemulwuy’s skull would not only honor his memory but also send a powerful message about the importance of acknowledging and respecting Indigenous history. It would be a step toward healing for Aboriginal communities, a gesture of respect, and an acknowledgment that the injustices of the past cannot be ignored.
The journey to find Pemulwuy’s remains is ongoing, and every effort made in that search represents a step toward justice. Whether through public advocacy, government involvement, or international cooperation, the campaign embodies a commitment to restoring dignity and sovereignty to Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
Pemulwuy’s story—and the fight to bring him home—stands as a reminder that history cannot be buried or forgotten. His spirit lives on, not only in the ongoing search for his remains but also in the collective efforts of those who continue to resist the legacies of colonialism and demand a future built on justice and reconciliation.
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See also: Lt James Cook aboard His Majesty’s Bark Endeavour first sight of Australia
List of Persons Who Left England in HMB Endeavour, 26th August, 1768
1. Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour confirmed found in Newport Harbour, USA
2. Secret Orders to Captain James Cook on H.M. Bark ENDEAVOUR
3. Captain Cook’s Journal 1-18 Apr.1770: Passage from New Zealand to New Holland
4. James Cook journal: 20th – 28th April, 1770 on HMB Endeavour
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