Massacre of Aboriginal Australians at Myall Creek
June 10th, 1838
June 10th, 1838

How Long Ago?
186 years, 9 months, 5 days ago
Location
Myall Creek, New South Wales, Australia
Category
Crime & Law
People
- John Fleming
- Henry De Laine
- George and Thomas Weller
Links & References
Tags
Massacre of Aboriginal Australians at Myall Creek
The Myall Creek massacre involved the brutal murder of twenty-eight Aboriginal Australians by European settlers in New South Wales. This horrific event took place in retaliation against perceived crimes committed by the Indigenous people. The massacre was carried out by a group of stockmen and was later condemned during the trials that followed, leading to significant legal and social repercussions.
Twenty-eight Aboriginal Australians were killed.
Carried out by European stockmen in retaliation.
A rare trial led to some convictions.
The site is now a memorial for reconciliation.
What Happened?
The Myall Creek massacre occurred in a remote area of New South Wales, where European settlers were moving into lands traditionally occupied by Aboriginal Australians. In early October, tensions between the settlers and the local Indigenous population escalated due to competing claims over land and resources. On the night of the massacre, a group of European stockmen, fueled by fears of violence and reprisal, rounded up a group of unarmed Aboriginal people who had gathered near Myall Creek. Despite some attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution, the stockmen decided to execute the group, leading to the deaths of twenty-eight Aboriginal men, women, and children.
The event later sparked outrage among some members of the colonial society and instigated trials for those involved. It's significant that, in a rare instance for the time, seven of the perpetrators were tried for murder, resulting in the hanging of only a few of them. This event ignited a debate about the treatment of Indigenous peoples and highlighted the brutality of European colonization. Additionally, the Myall Creek massacre has been remembered in Australian history as a poignant example of the violent conflicts between settlers and Indigenous populations, reflecting the larger colonial attitudes of the era.
In the years that followed, the Myall Creek massacre became a focal point for discussions about reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal Australians. The site of the massacre is now commemorated with memorials, reflecting a growing awareness and recognition of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities throughout Australia's colonial history.
Why Does it Matter?
The Myall Creek massacre is a significant event in Australian history as it represents the violent clash between European settlers and Aboriginal Australians. It became a catalyst for legal action against settlers, leading to a rare trial of perpetrators, and has influenced narratives about Indigenous rights and restitution. The commemoration of this massacre underscores ongoing discussions about reconciliation and historical justice in modern Australia.
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