AHWA provides a family history research service to help Aboriginal people access historical records about themselves or their ancestors. We manage access to restricted State Government records relating to Aboriginal people, and undertake truth-telling projects that help to build shared understanding of our history.
Explore the databases of Aboriginal names, places and projects
The AHRS is a unit within AHWA that assists members of the public to access to thousands of restricted historical records relating to Aboriginal people in Western Australia. We provide access to records through our free, family history research service. General researchers and Native Title representative bodies can also apply.
Request copies of records about you or your direct ancestors.
Members of the public, including authors, academics and anyone with an interest in Aboriginal history can request access to AHWA-managed records.
Entities engaged in Native Title research, such as Native Title Representative Bodies and respondent parties, can request copies of AHWA-managed records.
Learn about the many records that AHWA manages access to.
We have partnered with Storylines to hold monthly family history sessions at the State Library of WA in Perth.
Our service desk is a welcoming space for Aboriginal people who would like to learn more about their mob’s history.
It’s open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday and located on level 3 at the State Library of WA, 25 Francis Street, Perth.
Explore our many truth-telling projects.
Database containing the names and passage details of Aboriginal people who arrived and departed Western Australian ports by ship between 1850 and 1925.
A searchable database of Aboriginal people sent to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) between 1900 and 1931.
A database of the men, women and children admitted to Carrolup Settlement between 1915 and 1922, and those who passed away and were buried at Carrolup or Katanning Cemetery up until 1949.
A searchable database of more than 400 Aboriginal Trackers engaged at WA police stations between 1931 and 1954.
Applications by Aboriginal people in Western Australia between 1887 and 1933.
Historical town blocks granted to Aboriginal people in Western Australia
A comprehensive database of the individuals buried at the Moore River Native Cemetery.
Genealogies and photographs of Aboriginal People collected from across Western Australian 1935-1966.
A name index of children of Aboriginal descent admitted to the Perth and Swan orphanages and missions between 1871 and 1920.
Explore our many truth-telling publications which bring to light less known aspects of Western Australia’s shared history.
21 November, 2025, 10 AM-12 PM
Join us for a FREE Aboriginal family history information session with the Aboriginal History WA (AHWA) team.
Find out how AHWA can help you research your family’s past through our rich collection of historical records and photographs — and learn about other key archives that hold important pieces of Aboriginal family history.
Our team are experts in helping Aboriginal people access restricted State Government Welfare records that may contain personal information about themselves and their ancestors. These records, which span the period from 1886 to 1972, are closed to the public due to the personal and sensitive nature of information.
This session is a great opportunity to find out about Aboriginal family history records, and to learn about AHWA’s resources and projects.
You can also visit our stall at the Mandja NAIDOC Dandjoo Yoki Community Day at the Western Foreshore in Mandurah on Saturday 22 November 2025, between 11am and 2pm.
To register your attendance, please contact:
Email ahwa.outreach@cits.wa.gov.au
Artwork (below): Beeliar Nyoons by Justin Martin.
Freecall 1800 161 301Email ahrs@dlgsc.wa.gov.auService desk open 10am to 2pm on level 3State Library of WA, 25 Francis Street, PerthPO Box 8349, Perth Business Centre WA 6849X @The_AHWA