Aboriginal History Research Unit (AHRU)

DIA holds family history information including a large collection of personal cards and files relating to Aboriginal people of Western Australia and their families. The cards were recorded and retained by the former Native Welfare Department. These records are critical in assisting Aboriginal people in WA to trace their family histories. Strict rules apply to ensure that only direct family members can access this highly sensitive material.

From 1920 to 1948, the former Department of Native Welfare compiled a collection of personal information about Aboriginal families. This dealt mainly with Aboriginal people from the South West of the State and in particular with those who had been sent to the Moore River Native Settlement.

Access to information

You can access the Personal History Cards of the Native Welfare department by application for "Personal Records". For more information you can download an information brochure and the application form below:

		Finding out about Aboriginal family history - information brochure
		Application for Aboriginal family history - application form

Please note that the cards are available to the Aboriginal people who are the subject of the card. In the case that the parents are no longer living, the information is made available to their children.

Assistance to complete the application form

To help you complete the application form, DIA has developed guidelines. Click on the link below to access them.

Guidelines how to complete the Aboriginal family history application form .

If you have need more information, please contact a AHRU Officer. 

Written consent

Additionally, if you want to access the personal information relating to your maternal or paternal grandparents, then you must have written consent from any of the surviving children, before access will be granted. However, if all surviving siblings are deceased, then you are the direct line descendant and the information will become available on request. You can download a consent form below:

Release of information consent form

Please note: The consent form needs to be completed and signed by the family member who is giving you consent to have access to the information files.