Willem Baa Nip facts for kids
Willem Baa Nip (born 1836, died 1885) was an important Indigenous Australian man. He was a member of the Wadawurrung people. They are an Aboriginal group from the Geelong area in Victoria, Australia. He was also known by other names like King Billy.
Who Was Willem Baa Nip?
Willem Baa Nip was a significant figure in the history of the Wadawurrung people. He lived during a time of major change. This was when European settlers arrived and began to take over the land. He was one of the last Wadawurrung people to remember life before this colonisation.
His Early Years
Willem Baa Nip was born in 1836. He was born near a lagoon in what is now central Geelong. This area is in Victoria, Australia. In 1861, a small piece of land was set aside for the Wadawurrung people. This land was called the Duneed Aboriginal Land Reserve. It was located south of Andersons Creek.
A Strong Voice
Willem Baa Nip was proud of his culture. He often showed his skills with traditional weapons. He would do this at local parades. He would then ask for money from the European settlers. He believed they should give him money. On one occasion in 1883, someone refused to give him money. Baa Nip told them, "Why do you not give, you should give me money, you live in my country." This showed his strong belief in his people's rights.
His Legacy
Willem Baa Nip passed away on November 11, 1885. He died from an illness called tuberculosis. He was the last surviving Wadawurrung person to have witnessed the start of European settlement. His grave is located in the Geelong Western Cemetery.
Today, Willem Baa Nip is remembered in several ways. A large painting of him can be seen in Dennys Place. This is in Central Geelong. Also, a road built in 2015 was named Baanip Boulevard. This road is in Armstrong Creek, Geelong. It was named to honour him and his important place in history.
