Nanbaree was orphaned by the smallpox epidemic at Port Jackson in 1789, during which a large number of Aboriginals, who had no natural immunity to the disease, died. He was adopted by a local surgeon, Mr. White, and became part of his family. He became thoroughly acculturated and never attempted to rejoin Aboriginal society.

He joined the crew of the Investigator, under Matthew Flinders, in 1803 and was an influential interpreter for the Europeans.

References

Isobel. Nanbaree. (West Perth: Isobel, 1994)
Tench, Watkin. A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson, in New South Wales ... (London: Nicol and Sewell, 1793). Also available at: http://www.blackmask.com/books32c/tsapj.htm
"Flinders and the Investigator." Available at: http://www.rgsq.gil.com.au/flinvc.htm
"The Settlement at Kissing Point." Available at: http://202.139.230.209/ecology/ferry/003_SettlementKissPoint.htm

Indexes

Australian Aboriginal
Australia
18th Century
19th Century
Exploration, Adventure
Self-made Men and Women
School-age Years, Adolescence
Orphaned (Both Parents)
Others ("Strangers")
Trans-Racial, Trans-Tribal, International or Trans-Cultural Adoption or Fostering
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated