Goldfields visit helps Aboriginal people uncover nuggets of history
Aboriginal people in the Goldfields region of Western Australia will have the opportunity to explore their family history in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment through a series of free community sessions being held across the region next month.
The Aboriginal History WA (AHWA) team, part of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, will visit Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Laverton and Leonora from 9 to 11 March, to support local community members seeking to learn more about their family history.
The sessions will introduce participants to significant State Government record collections that contain important historical information for Aboriginal people researching their family connections.
Family history sessions in Leonora on Wednesday March 11.
Key points
- Free family history sessions for Aboriginal people to be held across the Goldfields in March
- Sessions will provide access to free research services and guidance on historical records
- The visiting research team aims to support First Nations people in strengthening connections to ancestry
“This is a valuable opportunity for Aboriginal families in the Goldfields to receive specialist support as they begin exploring their family history and accessing the records that hold stories of their ancestors,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.
“The AHWA team are highly skilled research experts who can guide Aboriginal people on a journey of discovery and help them learn more about their ancestry and community history.
“If you live in the region, or know someone who would benefit from these sessions, I strongly encourage you to take part. These sessions may be the beginning of a meaningful and life-changing journey of reconnecting with family, culture and Country.”
Wealth of information
Participants will also be able to complete a family history request form enabling access to AHWA’s free research service.
The AHWA team are specialist researchers who manage access to restricted historical records created by State Government departments prior to 1972.
AHWA’s collection holds a wealth of information, including personal files, mission records and station records, which can assist Aboriginal people to reconnect with their family history.
Family history sessions in Laverton on Wednesday March 11.
The free family history information sessions will be held in:
Kalgoorlie
Monday March 9
10am to 12pm
Goldfields Art Centre
35 Cheetham Street, Kalgoorlie
Laverton
Tuesday March 10
10:30am to 12:30pm
Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation 4 Euro Street, Laverton
Leonora
Wednesday March 11
10am to 12pm
Waalitj Foundation
78 Tower Street, Leonora
