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. Join our special ‘behind the scenes’ display of resources with 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 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.

Reconciliation Day

Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in the ACT, providing an opportunity for the community to come together at John Dunmore Lang Place, at the centre of the Parliamentary 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. The National Library is proud to participate in Reconciliation Day.