Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history

Family histories can involve sensitive records, separation and gaps caused by government policies. Work at a pace comfortable for the family and seek support from specialist services when helpful.

Make a start

1. Start with family

   Record what you know, including different names, places and relationships. Ask relatives what they are comfortable sharing, and respect a decision not to discuss or publish information.

2. Map the places

   Note where family members lived, worked, travelled or were moved. Place helps identify the state, institutions and archives that may hold relevant material.

3. Search broadly

   Use ordinary birth, death and marriage sources alongside Indigenous-specific collections, government archives, church and mission records, newspapers and family-held material.

4. Ask for specialist help

   AIATSIS and relevant state services can explain research pathways and access conditions. Some records require proof of identity, relationship or other eligibility.

Read records in context

Records may omit people, contain imposed names or reflect the prejudices and purposes of the officials or organisations who created them. A missing record does not prove a person or relationship did not exist. Compare sources and record uncertainty.

Research involving removals or other traumatic experiences can be distressing. Families can choose what to view, share or leave private. Seek permission before publishing personal details, photographs, cultural knowledge or stories belonging to others.

Country and language

Use maps as an entry point, not as proof of an exact boundary or a person’s identity. AIATSIS says its map is indicative, contains contested information and is not suitable for native title claims. Local Traditional Custodians and communities are the appropriate sources for cultural knowledge and speaking for Country.

Search NSW records and follow the family

Start with the NSW births, deaths and marriages historical index and search each known name, spelling and place. The Registry advises trying part of a name followed by an asterisk; a person’s Aboriginal identity may not be recorded in the index or record. Some events were never registered, so follow family knowledge into church, school, cemetery, newspaper and other records as well.

A record may contain a name imposed by an institution or government agency, or an account written from its own point of view. Keep the original reference, note the language and context, and compare it with family and community knowledge. The NSW Registry does not issue confirmation of Aboriginality; its guide points researchers to local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations for further information.

Find specialist records and support

The NSW Aboriginal Family Records Service helps Aboriginal people access NSW Government records about themselves or their ancestors, including records created by agencies responsible for Aboriginal affairs between 1883 and 1981. Its holdings may include correspondence, school reports, photographs and records concerning missions or children’s homes. The service prioritises Stolen Generations survivors and descendants; check eligibility and access arrangements with the service.

Contact the Family Records Service on 1800 019 998 or at [email protected]. Link-Up (NSW) assists members of the Stolen Generations to locate and reunite with family, community and culture. The State Library of NSW also provides a First Nations family-history resource guide. You can decide which sources to approach and what information to share.

Useful resources

• Trove - Notices, reports, advertisements, people and place context.
• National Archives of Australia RecordSearch/NameSearch - Migration, naturalisation, defence and Commonwealth records.
• Museums of History NSW / State Archives family-history guide - Convicts, assisted immigrants, probate, schools, land and NSW government records.
• NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - NSW births, marriages, deaths and pre-1856 church records.
• AIATSIS Family History - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history, finding records and specialist support.
• NSW Aboriginal Family Records Service - Aboriginal people seeking records about themselves or direct ancestors affected by past NSW government policies.

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