Since colonisation, the family history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is marked by forced removals, relocation to missions, and government policies that suppressed language and culture. Yet amongst this are stories of resistance, resilience, hope and survival. The National Library supports reconciliation by preserving and making available records that document the history, experiences, and voices of First Nations people.

Our special ‘behind the scenes’ display of resources includes a visit to the Library’s Oral History recording studios and the Bringing Them Home Oral History Project. This project recorded 340 deeply personal stories from people affected by the laws and policies that created the Stolen Generations. The tour group will then meet with our expert librarians for an introduction to available resources for researching their own First Nations family history here at the Library, and online via Trove.

This tour is free to attend, however bookings are essential.

Reconciliation Day at the National Library

Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory, providing an opportunity for the community to come together at John Dunmore Lang Place, at the centre of the National Triangle. There will be cultural performances, workshops, sporting activities and other activities to promote conversation, strengthen relationships, and deepen understanding of Australia’s shared history.

This event is presented in partnership with the ACT Government.

About Rebecca Bateman

Rebecca Bateman is a Weilwan and Gamilaroi woman with family from Warren in North-West New South Wales and connections to the Gunnedah region of New South Wales and Charleville in Queensland.

Rebecca is the Director of Indigenous Engagement at the National Library, where her passion is reconnecting people with their ancestors, their culture and language and, ultimately their identity.

Rebecca enjoys connecting First Nations people up with records that hold their stories and histories and making the Library an inviting and welcoming place for mob to visit.