Explore

Balgabalgar

Indigenous Australian Languages

Over 250 Indigenous Australian language groups lived on this continent in 1788.
Lake Eyre Basin - Aboriginal Way Map

Lake Eyre Basin - Aboriginal Way Map

The Lake Eyre Basin Aboriginal Way Map details significant cultural information and spans 1.2 million square kilometres across inland Australia.
ATS_1036_362

Jimmy Pike

Jimmy Pike (approximately 1940-2002) was a Walmajarri man of the Great Sandy Desert and prolific artist intent on sharing his knowledge and love of his desert home.

International Women's Day poster 2018

International Women's Day posters

Over the years, we have produced an International Women’s Day poster that features an inspirational image from the AIATSIS Collection or a prominent role model in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Group portrait of the special platoon consisting of Aboriginal soldiers, all volunteers, at Number 9 camp at Wangaratta with Corporal Mullett (left), Major Joseph Albert Wright (centre) and Sergeant Morris (right). Major Wright, a World War 1 Light Horse veteran, was in charge of this Platoon, which was the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian military forces.

War Service

Since the 1860s Indigenous Australians have served in our defence force.
Old Mission at Brewarrina

Mapping NSW Aboriginal Missions, Stations, and Camps 1883-1969

This interactive map of New South Wales Aboriginal Missions, Stations and Camps identifies the locations and provides information about Aboriginal reserves, camps, stations, children’s homes, and some unofficial settlements operating under the tenure of the Aborigines Protection Board during its active years.

sorry sky writing

Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples

The National Apology to the Stolen Generations came about as a recommendation from The National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal Children from their Families. It highlighted the suffering of Indigenous families under the Commonwealth, state and territory Aboriginal protection and welfare laws and policies.

Rediscovering the Palawa Language: Jodie Dowd

Rediscovering the Palawa Language: Jodie Dowd

Jodie Dowd uncovers a rare treasure in our library.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal, a signaller for the Australian Women's Army Service during World War II.

Fighters from the Fringe

Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a poet, activist and public speaker during the 1960s.
John Paul Janke showing guests some of the AIATSIS Collections

Indigenous Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Australia’s Indigenous peoples are two distinct cultural groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Last reviewed: 31 Aug 2015