Aboriginal ancestry

Even though Australian historical primary records are mostly European based, when researching Aboriginal ancestry the principles of family history methodology differ very slightly if at all. Australian Indigenous cultures and experiences are diverse across the country and vary greatly across the localised areas of the South Coast NSW and others.

The South Coast Region includes Aboriginal communities of:

• Yuin Nation – Yuin is the general or generic name for all tribes from Merimbula to Nowra (maps do vary)
• Wodi Wodi – Illawarra Bundalong – Shoalhaven River Jeringa – Shoalhaven (North)
• Jervis Bay Kangaroo Ground (Kangaroo Valley)
• Parramarrago (near Bungonia)
• Alleluen (Araluen) Wandandian – Wandandian & Jervis Bay Budawang
• Walbanga Munkata (maybe Monkittee nr Braidwood) and others
  Murramarang and Budawang

Most local history books, mention Aboriginal people in the first chapter only as pre-European history and some early European settlement. Whilst the majority of Pioneer registrars fail to even acknowledge Aboriginal people. Europeans first saw aboriginal people in 1770 when Captain Cook and Joseph Banks on the Murramarang beach.

Indigenous Family History
Use these 6 steps for every new generation when doing research.
What do I want to learn about my family?
What do I already know about my family and how do I record it?
What photos do I have of them?
What records do family history groups, historical societies, libraries, historians and other organisations have?
How do I obtain the records or information required?
Where do I go from here?

How Do I Start?
A good rule is to work backwards from yourself. This is the only way to be almost certain that you are tracing the right family. Never assume a connection with some particular family then try to fit yourself into one of its branches. It doesn’t work!!!!!

Fill in a birth brief chart place yourself as No.1. Then move on to parents and grandparents with the information you already have. The missing gaps will be filled in later as you complete your research .

Other Items from Home for Family Historians
• Photographs. Never use pen. A label on back and details written in pencil.
• Oral history form Elders
• That shoe box of old papers and newspaper clippings that Granny kept is a gold mine.
• Spend time listening to older family members
• Write down any family story it will be a good source of truth or half truth later on.

Many people record their family history research on computer. There is a large range of software available however I suggest one uses Brothers Keepers.

Type of Records to use in Aboriginal Research
Birth Details can be obtained from: Civil Registration – Birth, Death, Marriage Church Records – Headstones
Marriage Details can be obtained from: Civil Registration – Birth, Death, Marriage Birth certificates – many times will list marriage by Traditional rites and Church Records
Death Details can be obtained from: Civil Registration – Birth, Death, Marriage Cemetery Records, Headstones and Newspaper articles, Civil Registrations – Church Records – Death & Cemetery Records

Not all Aboriginal births were registered, or European births for that matter. A must is to check local church records, and these are many times overlooked as a resource for family history research. Many include baptism of Aboriginal adults.

Check with a Family History or Historical Society to see if records have been indexed. Is there a local historian who has transcribed the records? If not contact the individual Church.

See also Miryyal : Budawang Aborigines featured in church records

Many times Church records have details that were omitted on the civil registration information such as tradational name. Civil registration began in 1855, the place of registration is not necessarily the place of event – birth, death, marriage.

A death certificate will show name, age at death, place and cause of death, parents, name and relationship of informant, when and where buried, witnesses at funeral. Also where married and to whom, age at time of marriage, the names and ages of living children and the number of dead children. Not all death certificates have complete information.

Using the index for BDM’s online at www.bdm.nsw.gov.au obtains a reference Number for the certificate; these can be purchase online or use a transcript agent. Also check Church records, cemetery records and newspapers for death notices.

Most South Coast Cemeteries have being researched. These are available at books at your local library, family history group. Historical society, whilst some are available online, many can be purchased.