Introduction
There are references to Aboriginal people in many government agency records but only a few series of records specifically about Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
Tracing Aboriginal ancestry is generally the same as for any family in Tasmania. There is guidance on documenting Aboriginal descent, and some specific issues to keep in mind.
What’s available online?
- Guide: Documenting Tasmanian Aboriginal descent
- Online library resources about Tasmanian Aboriginal people, including some images
- Aboriginal establishment, Oyster Cove, reports made by the visiting Magistrate, Surgeon and Chaplain when making calls to the establishment, 1855 – 1869 (CSO89)
- Correspondence concerning the administration of Cape Barren Island (LSD51)
- The register of children admitted to the Orphan School (SWD28) and applications to the Orphan School (SWD26) has references to Aboriginal children
- 1830-1833 Minutes of the Committee for the Care and Treatment of Captured Aborigines (CBE1)