Koorie index of names (1839-1946)

The index is not a dossier of Aboriginal people, groups and places in Victoria.

1. The index can be searched on computers at the Victorian Archives Centre reading room close reading room Definition Area set aside at PROV centres for public access to records and research (formerly known as ‘search rooms’). Visit the Contact us page for more. in North Melbourne or at the Ballarat Regional Archives Centre.

2. Enter a partial or full name into the index. Entering less information (e.g. surname only, or partial surname) can sometimes yield more results.

3. You can also search by place (i.e. Lake Tyers, Milltown).

4. Note the reference number provided and enter this information into the advanced search page - then order close order Definition Physical records can be ordered for viewing in PROV’s reading rooms.  When a user orders a record, it is reserved solely for their use. the original archival record in which the name appears.

5. Original records, once ordered, can be viewed and copied in PROV's North Melbourne Reading Room.

The records that have been indexed so far broadly cover  the period 1839 to 1946.

Most of the government records linked to these names are letters and reports relating to the Victorian Aboriginal missions and reserves, as well as the early work of the Aboriginal Protectorate. The records were created by government employees, mission and reserve staff, as well as Aboriginal people.

The index can be used to find references to people in:

• Board for the Protection of Aborigines: Correspondence files, 1867 – 1946 Record series number (VPRS) 1694
• Unregistered inward correspondence to the Chief Protector of Aborigines – reports and returns, 1847–1851. Record series number 11
• Inward Registered Correspondence to the Superintendent of Port Phillip District, relating to Aboriginal Affairs, 1839–1851 Record series number 10
   

Aboriginal family history researchers can request searches of both the Koorie Index of Names and BTH (National Archives) databases of Aboriginal names by contacting the Koorie Reference Officer using our online enquiry form.

Click here for information about the National Archives of Australia’s Bringing Them Home name index of Aboriginal records in its collection.

The index only covers a small portion of material about Aboriginal Victorians in our collection. See the Aboriginal Victorians page for links to further record series close record series Definition A record series is a group of records which are recorded or maintained by the same agency (or agencies) and which: ·    are in the same numerical, alphabetical, chronological or other identifiable sequence; or ·    result from the same accumulation or filing process. A series is composed of items and can consist of a single item or several thousand items. It may be recorded by a single agency or by a succession of agencies. A Victorian Public Record Series is identified by the prefix VPRS followed by a space then a sequential number.   which are not covered by the index.