Aboriginal History WA and the State Library of Western Australia’s Storylines initiative is set to embark on a road trip across the South West this February, offering free family history sessions to help First Nations people reconnect with their ancestry.

The team, usually based in Perth, will visit Collie, Manjimup, Margaret River, Busselton, Bunbury, and Eaton from Monday, 10 February to Thursday, 13 February.

These sessions will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people to explore their family history and learn about Aboriginal History WA’s (AHWA) truth-telling projects.

AHWA’s research team specialises in assisting Aboriginal people in accessing restricted State Government records related to themselves and their direct ancestors.

These records, which span the period from 1886 to 1972, are typically closed to the public due to their personal and sensitive nature.

By offering culturally secure access to these archives, AHWA helps individuals piece together their family histories, uncovering vital connections to the past.

Alongside AHWA, the State Library’s Storylines team will showcase its extensive digital archive.

Storylines is an online platform dedicated to Aboriginal history and heritage, featuring more than 12,000 photographs and historical materials.

The platform provides a safe and accessible space for Aboriginal people to explore their family connections while also offering a place to share important cultural and historical materials.

Storylines has been instrumental in preserving and documenting Aboriginal histories across Western Australia, helping families and researchers engage with significant moments from the past.

Bringing these resources directly to the South West communities ensures people in regional areas have the same opportunities to uncover their histories as those in metropolitan Perth.

The sessions will offer a welcoming environment where individuals can seek guidance, ask questions, and begin their journey of discovery with the support of knowledgeable researchers.

The road trip marks a significant effort to make Aboriginal family history more accessible and encourage engagement with truth-telling initiatives.

Whether participants are looking to uncover details about their ancestors or learn more about AHWA and Storylines, these sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with the past.

For more information, visit the AHWA or State Library of Western Australia websites.