Researching Aboriginal history

Wadjemup: The land beyond the shore

The Aboriginal History division (AHWA) has completed research for an historical project on Wadjemup (Rottnest) and is seeking to inform families with ancestors who were imprisoned there between 1900-1931 about the initiative. Wadjemup has been a part of the story of Western Australia for over 30,000 years. Between 1838 and 1931, the island was used to incarcerate many Aboriginal people from across the state. The Wadjemup project includes over 100 photographs and a comprehensive database providing a snapshot of the lives of the 386 men, three boys and one Aboriginal History Research Services (AHRS) can help you access a variety of records relating to your family history, including government records as well as non-governmental material. Where possible a family tree of your ancestors will also be provided. Most of the collections are state administrative records, including mission, station and personal files created by various government departments responsible for Aboriginal affairs from 1886 to 1972. The AHRS also holds copies of photographs and genealogical recordings. To access your records you must be of the oldest generation in your family or have the consent of the oldest living member. Earlier this year, WA Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Wyatt, a Yamatji man, spoke publicly about his experience of accessing family records and encouraged other West Australians to explore their Aboriginal ancestry. After gaining access to his records, Mr Wyatt discovered that his late father, Cedric Wyatt, a prominent public servant and advocate for Aboriginal rights, had been born at the Mogumber Mission - Moore River Native Settlement, and had been forcibly removed from his family as a child in 1940. woman who were incarcerated on the island during the final 31 years of the prison. Some information is restricted and will only be available to direct descendants. The project will be formally launched and published in November 2020. In the meantime, updates and information will be posted on the AHWA website at https://www.dlgsc. wa.gov.au/aboriginal-history For further information please contact Mr Duane Kelly, Research and Administration Officer, AHWA Ph: 08

Researching your Aboriginal family history

9427-3473 Email: duane.kelly@dlgsc.wa.gov.au

Ben Wyatt with his father Cedric in 2009

Mr Wyatt (Snr), who died in 2014, had sought to shield his children from the pain of his early life and had never publicly claimed Moore River as his birthplace. Ben Wyatt said that uncovering his family history had been confronting, but he believed that knowing the truth was an important step towards healing and reconciliation. To request an application form, email ahrs@dlgsc. wa.gov.au or phone 9427-3469. *Source: Annabel Hennessy, “Unlocking the truth for families”, The West Australian, 3-6-20, p.67. 7