First Nations Communities

We hold the oldest Australian academic anthropology records documenting First Nations communities in Australia and the South Pacific region, including the records of anthropologists AP Elkin, HIP Hogbin, AR Radcliffe-Brown and Camilla Wedgwood. The anthropology field research and teaching records for 1926 to 1956 were inscribed in the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register in 2017 (learn more about this significant recognition).

The records pertaining to Australian Indigenous peoples include field notes, genealogies, correspondence, photographs, audio-visual material, reports and secondary sources. The field research records date from 1910 and include references to over 60 Indigenous languages.

Please consult our Cultural Care and Sensitivity statement. We endorse the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) Protocols.

Access to Records

Where records are restricted or closed, permission from the relevant community is required. 

Genealogies are available on request for individuals or families who are researching their own family history.

Native title claims must be submitted with an official letterhead including the claim and claim number. 

Please contact us with details of the records you wish to view.

The photographs within AP Elkin's personal papers are currently closed. A project is underway to identify the relevant people/community/communities that can grant access to the images.

We manage these records in accordance with ATSILIRN protocols, recognising the historical and emotional importance these records hold for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Access to some records is restricted for privacy reasons or out of respect for the rights and/or beliefs of Indigenous peoples.

Records Relating to Indigenous Peoples from Australia and the Pacific Region

Australia:

• AP Elkin (P130)
• Peter Hinton
• Annie Margaret McArthur (P205)
• AR Radcliffe-Brown (P129)
• TW Edgeworth David (P11/25/113)
• Association for the Protection of Native Races (S55)

Pacific Region:

• Herbert Ian Priestley Hogbin (P15)
• Peter Lawrence (P170)
• Annie Margaret McArthur (P205)
• Camilla Hildegarde Wedgwood (P112)

Language Groups from Australia

These lists of language groups and places are drawn from the current guides to the record holdings. Some spelling will be out of date. These lists should not be taken as definitive. It is expected that additional languages and places will be identified through the process of indexing the records.

Kimberley

Languages (Bardi, Karajarri, Jabirr Jabirr, Gija / Kija, Ngarinyin, Worrorra, Nyulnyul, Jaru)

Places (Forrest River, Hall’s Creek, Beagle Bay, Sunday Island, Wyndham, La Grange)

New South Wales

Languages (Gumbaynggirr, Gathang, Bundjalung, Muruwari, Gamilaraay / Gamilaroi / Kamilaroi, Yuwaalaraay, Yaygirr, Dhanggati / Dunghutti, North Raga?, Paakantyi / Paakantji / Barkindji, Nulla Nulla, Southern Anaiwan, Northern Anaiwan, Birrbay, Wanyuparlku, Ngambaa, Yugambal, Wiradjuri, Yandruwandha)

Places (Bellbrook, north-east NSW, Walgett, Deniliquin, Kyogle, Darlling River, Murray River, Port Stephens, Edward River, Bowraville, Wallaga Lake, Angledool, Brewarrina, Gundagai, Brungle, Coonabarabran, Tingha, Bassendean, Cabbage Tree Island, Mossgiel, Pilliga, Roseby Park [now Jerrinja], Toomelah) 

Northern Territory

Languages (Rembarrnga, Jawoyn, Djinba, Warlpiri, Warumungu, , Mangarrayi, Alawa, Menthe, Batjamalh, Arrernte, Yolngu Matha, Anindilyakwa, Tiwi, Western Desert, Malak Malak, Kaytetye)

Places (Arnhem Land, Roper River, Port Essington, Groote Eylandt, Bathurst Island, Milingimbi, Elcho Island, Crocodile Islands, Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, Hermannsburg, Mount Lieebig, Daly River, Darwin River, Alice Springs, Victoria River, Petermann Ranges, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Port Keats, Musgrave Ranges, Wave Hill, MacDonald Downs Station, Goulburn Islands)

Queensland

Languages (Wik Mungkan, Yugambeh, Yuggera, Umpila, Jandai, Yandruwandha, Guugu Yimithirr, Kuku Yalanji, Yir Yoront)

Places (Yarrabah, Weipa, Cape York, south-east Qld, Thursday Island, Cape York, Aurukun, Palm Island, Cherbourg [formerly Barambah], Torres Strait Islands, Cockatoo Creek, Mitchell River, Diamantina)

South Australia

Languages (including Antikirinya, Luritja, Arabana, Yaraldi, Wirangu, Dieri, Tanganekald, Ramindjeri, Narungga/Nharangga, Kokatha, Western Desert, Yandruwandha)

Places (Mt Margaret, Fowlers Bay, Oodnadatta, Macumba, Point McLeay [now Raukkan], Point Pearce, Murray River, Adelaide, Ooldea, Musgrave Ranges, Ernabella [now Pukatja], Great Victoria Desert)

Victoria

Languages (Bangerang, Ngangaruku, Tanganekald)

Places (Buangor, Tatyoon, Morangbark, Murray River, Keilor, Picola)

Western Australia

Languages (Karigarra, Kariyarra, Ngarluma, Warriyangga, Maya, Pinikura, Burduna, Bayungu, Nhuwala, Yingkarta, Warriyangga, Thalanyji, Palyku, Martuthunira, Tharrkari, Wajarri, Nyamal, Karajarri, Wunambal, Mirniny, Noongar / Nyoongar, Jabirr Jabirr, Nyangumarta, Western Desert, Bardi, Worrorra)

Places (Albany, Bernier and Dorres Island, Carnavon, Lagrange Bay, Broome, Ninety Mile Beach, Petermann Ranges, Great Victoria Desert, Cundelee)

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