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General Disposal Schedule No 20, 4th edition, is now available applies to all records, irrespective of format or media, created or received by any Local Government Authority in South Australia. General Disposal Schedule No 20 Edition 4 Released
State Records has reviewed and updated both GDS 21 and the digitisation of official records and management of source documents guideline, applicable to both state and local government agencies. Revised GDS 21 and Digitisation Guideline
State Records has released a Records Management assessment survey that must be completed by all state and local government agencies. Online Records Management Assessment Survey
State Records has reviewed and updated its information sheet on Microsoft SharePoint and EDRMS. Microsoft SharePoint and EDRMS
A range of research advice sheets have been produced by State Records to assist customers with their research and with accessing records in our archival collection. Researching and Accessing Archival Records
To keep researchers up-to-date with new record transfers to our custody State Records has produced its November listing of transfers. Recent Transfers of Records to Archival Custody
Registration and enrolment is now open for all 2010 Operational courses offered by State Records. Operational Training and Education Courses 2010
Principles and associated obligations agencies, bound by the State Records Act, 1997, must consider to ensure that the records of agencies are adequately managed throughout the contracting process. Contracting and Official Records Guideline
State Records has reviewed and updated the Intention to Destroy Records Report form. Request for Approval to Destroy Temporary Records
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Discovering Our Past

Finding Your Aboriginal History

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The State Records of South Australia collection includes many records that can assist you with Aboriginal history research.

Records relating to Aboriginal people are important sources of historical information. People of Aboriginal descent can use the records to obtain information about family members they have been separated from because of past government policies. Records relating to Aboriginal people may also provide information for native title issues.

The Family History section of this site may also help you research Aboriginal history.

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What does State Records do?

State Records is the archives of State and Local Government in South Australia. The State Records Act, 1997 requires State Records to store, preserve and provide access to government records of enduring evidential or informational value.

State Records is the custodian of records that have been identified as being of historical, social, or cultural value. They document the relationship between State and Local Government and the people of South Australia.

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What records do you have?

Most of the records that relate to Aboriginal people were created by the Aborigines Office, the Aborigines Department and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The government agency reference for these authorities is Government Record Group (GRG) 52.

You may also find information in records created by:

  • The Chief (formerly Colonial) Secretary's Office (GRG 24)
  • Lands Department (GRG 35)
  • Education Department (GRG 18)
  • Department of Correctional Services (GRG 54)
  • Police Department (GRG 5)
  • Government Resident of the Northern Territory (Series GRS 1 to GRS 17)
  • South Australian Museum (GRG 19 and GRG 46)
  • Public hospitals (various GRGs and GRSs).

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What records can I access?

Under the State Records Act, 1997 it is the government agency that is responsible for a record that decides whether the public can view it. Many records will be described as unrestricted or open. Researchers can view these records at a State Records Research Centre.

Some records will not be open until a date in the future. Researchers may only view these records with the approval of the agency that is responsible for them.

Some records have been identified as containing information that is sacred or secret. These records may only be viewed according to conditions developed in consultation with members of the Aboriginal community.

Please note: Historical records may contain language that offends. Such language does not reflect the State Government's current attitude toward Aboriginal people.

For further information contact the Aboriginal Access Team.

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How do I access the records?

The Aboriginal Access Team can assist you with your research firstly by helping you to identify relevant records and information, and then by giving advice about seeking permission to view records if they are restricted.

For help with your research contact the Aboriginal Access Team via telephone, letter, fax, email, or through SA Link-Up. Alternatively, visit a State Records Research Centre.

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What if a record is not yet open for public access

To access a record that is not yet open for public access, you will need to get written approval from the agency responsible for the record. The Aboriginal Access Team can give advice about how to get approval.

Once the responsible agency has given approval, and State Records has sighted the letter of approval, records can be viewed at a State Records Research Centre.

If you are unable to visit a Research Centre, the Aboriginal Access Team can also assist via mail and email. This includes the photocopying and forwarding of information to researchers.

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What are my rights to access records?

If a request for access to a record not yet open for public access, or the information contained in that record, is refused by the agency responsible, you have the right to make an application under the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 (FOI).

The Act allows you to access your own records and those of deceased direct family members. Direct family members include siblings, parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

The Aboriginal Access Team can help you to determine what records exist and what right of access you have to those records.

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What assistance is available to me?

Aboriginal Access Team

The Aboriginal Access Team can help you carry out your own family history research. The Team will discuss your research requirements with you and search indexes to help you to view personal information.

For help with your research contact the Aboriginal Access Team via telephone, letter, fax, email, or through SA Link-Up.

Finding Aids

State Records has a number of finding aids, guides and indexes, to help researchers identify records relating to Aboriginal people. These include:

  • Guide to Records Relating to Aboriginal People
  • The Aboriginal Resource Kit
  • A Little Flour and a Few Blankets: An Administrative History of Aboriginal Affairs in South Australia, 1834 -2000
  • Aboriginal Information Management System (AIMS).

Please refer to the links below for details.

These finding aids can help your research into:

  • Aboriginal family history
  • Aboriginal community history
  • The 'stolen generations' and other Aboriginal people who have been removed from their families as a result of past policies of government
  • Reconciliation
  • Native Title
  • Confirmation of Aboriginality.

 

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Copying Fees

There are no charges for copies made where the records to assist with family re-unification have been sought via SA Link-Up. In all other cases the current charges apply.

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Who else may hold relevant records?

Other Government and non-government agencies in South Australia hold information relating to Aboriginal people. Follow the links below for further details.

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