Step by step guide

The State Library of Queensland has historically significant collections that relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history. We encourage you to start your research by talking to your family members about your family tree.

How do I find births, deaths and marriage records?

Collect as much information as you can about yourself, your parents, your grandparents and other relatives. You can access online births, deaths and marriages records at these websites:

• Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriagesopen_in_new

• Centre for Indigenous Family History Studies

How did legislation affect my family?

Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland were subject to the Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 and other Queensland legislation. Many personal records from this time can be accessed through:

•  Community and Personal Histories

How can I find information in newspapers and magazines?

You may be able to find information about your family in online newspapers or magazines. You can search these websites:

• Trove (digitised Australian newspapers)

• Australian Indigenous Index (Infokoori)

How can I find out more?

You can search biographical indexes for more information about a family member:

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Biographical Index

• Australian Dictionary of Biography: Indigenous Australia

What other organisations have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander records?

Queensland State Government Records

• Community and Personal Histories

• Queensland State Archives
• Queensland Government - Births, Deaths and Marriages

Commonwealth Government Records

• National Archives of Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections

• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies