Department of Native Welfare [and predecessors], Client Files (1921 - 1969)

From

1921

To

1969

Location

Western Australia

The Department of Native Welfare (and predecessors) Client Files comprise 'case records' about children and families who had come into contact with the Department between 1921 and 1969, when it was responsible for the 'care and protection' of indigenous children. The records include information about births and deaths, as well as about marriages, which had to be approved by the Protector. As a permit was required for employing an Aboriginal person, records were kept on employment and finances. The Department sometimes paid the medical expenses of Aboriginal people when treated by a doctor. Police inspected the communities regularly and a census of those present was taken. Information differs from person to person, as with most records from the past. But the fact that Aboriginal Western Australian's lives were so controlled by government does mean that quite a lot of information has been kept.

Contact

Please contact Aboriginal History Research Services, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries:
Postal Address: PO Box 8349, Perth Business Centre WA 6849
Phone: 1800 161 301
Email: ahrs@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Website :https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-history/aboriginal-history-research-services