Archives
DIA is responsible for State Government files relating to the administration of Aboriginal affairs. These records date back to 1886 and are an important part of the State’s history. Archival records are stored in the Western Australian State Archive, housed in the Alexander Library building.
Archive Program
The DIA Archive Program maintains responsibility for 16,000 archive files relating to the administration of the previous various State Aborigine Departments since the 1880s. These records are an important part of the history of WA and contain information about missions, stations, patrol reports, removal of children, health and police records. The Aboriginal History Research Unit (AHRU) is responsible for the classification of each file and controls access to the collection for both general and native title research.
The majority of these archives are classified restricted and only available to the named individual or direct family members (if the individual is deceased) or to the legal representative of claimant groups. The State Records Act 2000 now redefines the restricted period of time from 100 years to 75 years.
Access to archives
Not all archive files are open to researchers. Restrictions apply to:
- Personal files (which are controlled by the Department for Child Protection);
- Information that, if disclosed, could be considered an invasion of an individual's right to privacy;
- Documents containing culturally confidential information; and
- Records detailing or identifying Aboriginal sites.
Contact
If you think DIA might hold information about you or your family, please contact an AHRU Family History Officer for confirmation. If details are held, the Family History Officer will also be able to let you know the procedure for applying to obtain personal information. Should there be no information held within the department the officer will direct you to other departments which may be able to assist you.