Records disposal freeze: Records affecting the rights and entitlements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - Details of the records disposal freeze issued in 1996

Petitions held by the National Archives of Australia help to tell the story of Aboriginal activism from as early as the 1930s.

In 1987 a Royal Commission was established to investigate the causes of deaths of Aboriginal people who were held in state and territory gaols.

Find documents and records detailing the interactions between people and the Australian Government by searching our collection.

This record is a colour photograph of Aboriginal activists standing in front of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1974.

Crowds enjoying sport and leisure activities

Our way: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols

National Archives continues to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in finding information about themselves, their Country and their history.

A black-and-white photograph of Douglas Grant, an Aboriginal Australian who served in the First World War.

This is the Aboriginals Ordinance Act 1911. This law, which applied in the Northern Territory, sets out the powers of the ‘Chief Protector’.

A photograph of Aboriginal activist and public servant Pat O'Shane, in her position as the head of the New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

A colour photograph of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike, also known by his Walmajarri name Kurntikujarra.

This is a draft Cabinet submission from WC Wentworth, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, recommending a national day for Aboriginal Australians.

Letter confirming status of payment of war gratuity.

Statement taken against cameleer Basha Gool by an Aboriginal worker in 1929.

The Constitution Alteration (Aboriginals) 1967, presented to the Governor-General, R.G. Casey, for his signature.

A black-and-white photograph from 1974 showing a demonstration in support of Aboriginal rights outside Parliament House (now Old Parliament House) in Canberra.

A report on National Aborigines Day by NADOC, ACT for 1967 and 1968. The reason for celebrating and the current theme.

This guide is the only comprehensive listing of the huge volume of records created by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

A typed page from a formal petition to King George V, requesting his intercession 'to prevent the extinction of the Aboriginal Race'.