Terra Nullius (Coleman novel)

Terra Nullius, Latin for "nobody's land," is a central concept and the title of Claire G. Coleman's debut novel, published in 2017. In the novel, Terra Nullius operates as a deliberately deceptive term used by the colonizers (referred to as "Settlers") to justify their invasion and occupation of the land belonging to the Indigenous people (referred to as "Natives").

The novel subverts the historical application of terra nullius by revealing the falsehood underpinning it. While the Settlers claim the land is uninhabited or undeveloped, thereby justifying their claim under this doctrine, the narrative demonstrates the deep, enduring connection of the Natives to the land, highlighting their sophisticated knowledge systems, societal structures, and spiritual practices.

Coleman's use of terra nullius is not merely a historical reference but a contemporary indictment of colonial power structures and their enduring legacy. The novel explores the violence, dispossession, and cultural destruction inflicted upon the Indigenous population under the guise of a legal and moral justification that is exposed as inherently flawed and self-serving. The term serves as a stark reminder of the deliberate erasure of Indigenous existence and sovereignty, highlighting the ongoing need for recognition, reconciliation, and justice.

Furthermore, the delayed revelation in the novel of the true nature of the Settlers (revealed to be colonists from Earth arriving in spaceships) further complicates the notion of terra nullius. This science fiction element underscores the absurdity of claiming ownership over inhabited land, regardless of the technological or perceived cultural superiority of the invading force. It broadens the applicability of the critique beyond specifically Australian history to encompass broader themes of colonialism, power, and the justification of domination.