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.
30 September, 2026, 2 PM-4 PM
Want to learn more about your family and where you come from?
Join Aboriginal History WA (AHWA) for a free information session to help you begin your family history journey.
This session introduces AHWA’s free family history research service and guides you through the range of resources available at the Aboriginal History WA and the State Library of Western Australia. You’ll learn how to access historical records that can help you trace your kinship and connections.
Available records include:
You’ll also be introduced to the State Library’s Storylines archive, which connects Aboriginal people to a rich collection of heritage materials. Explore thousands of photographs, as well as oral histories, documents, audio recordings and film.
This session is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Mob only). Non-Indigenous people are welcome to call or email if you are interested to learn more about AHWA services and other available sessions, but we will not accept non-Indigenous participants who wish to join a session to observe or understand how the program works.
Aboriginal History WA📧 ahwa.outreach@cits.wa.gov.au📞 0447 882 799
Register to attend.
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