Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history

The Queensland Government is one of the custodians of historical information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This information exists because of the control past Queensland governments had over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's lives. Administration of the 'Protection Acts', such as the Aboriginals and Protection and the Restriction of Sale of Opium Act 1897, led to a high volume of records being created up until the mid-1980s.

The Community and Personal Histories' team can help you use these records to research your family and personal history. They may be able to help you with other information, such as proving your birth date.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and you or your family were born in Queensland, the Government may be able to help you find information about:

• where your family comes from
• who your family are
• how you might be connected to a certain place.

For more information and services on tracing your family history visit the Queensland Government website.