Indigenous Information Sources: General web resources
General web resources for Indigenous grey literature and primary resources
In addition to the scholarly resources that the library provides through its collections and online databases, you will also need to source resources from websites, such as policy documents and reports (often called 'grey literature'), statistics, and primary source materials.
Below are links to key peak Indigenous organisations, government sites and archival collections - all play a role in collating a wide range of information about Indigenous peoples and issues.
Please note that some of these sites may contain names and/or images of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Of course, this is just the beginning and a well constructed search in Google will identify many more potential sources. Also look at our Advanced Google search tab for tips to target your search for quality reports and policy documents on the web.
Note: See our Health resources tab in this guide for specific tips on locating information on Indigenous health issues.
An important place to begin your exploration of Indigenous information sources is through the perspective of Indigenous Australians from within organisations and public websites they play a central key role in developing.
Here are some of the core Indigenous sites to get you going:
- Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander StudiesOne of the major roles of AIATSIS is to preserve and look after the heritage and living culture of Indigenous Australians. The site includes:
* Digitised collections and online exhibitions focused on important events such as the Referendum, Freedom Ride and Day of Mourning.
*The MURA catalogue of Indigenous content including family history and language resources
* Guides and resources to collections, subject areas and AIATSIS research focus areas and publications. - Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI)Aims to support sustainable systems of self-governance for Indigenous Australian communities. Core resources include a "Indigenous Governance Tool Kit" which includes links to peak Indigenous self-governance organisations. The resources area provide examples and further links to resources and organisations that support best practice self -governance.
- Our LanguagesDirectory to Indigenous Language Centers, community programs and language resources.
- South West Aboriginal Land and Sea CouncilA native title service provider to the Noongar People of the South West of Western Australia. Aims to progress the native title claims and preserve the culture, language and heritage of Noongar society.
These resources developed by Australian Indigenous people and/or through consultation with them help build an understanding about the richness of Indigenous cultural beliefs, their connection to land and community and ongoing efforts for recognition as the First Australians.
- Reconciliation Australia - Share our Pride: This site provides a range of ways you can learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history and includes a bibliography of recommended resources for further exploration. The Reconciliation Australia site itself supports the development of Action Plans and events that support Reconciliation.
- The Little Red Yellow Black Website: based on the book of the same name, this online gateway looks at key aspects of Aboriginal culture as well as the history of resistance, reconciliation and participation. (Find the print version of the third edition in our Libraries)
West Australian Government Sites
- Aboriginal affairs - WA Govt DirectoryProvides a summary of key services relating to Aboriginal culture, heritage, health, welfare and reconciliation with links to the relevant Government Department website.
Australian Government Sites
- Australian Government - Indigenous Polices, ProgramsConnecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Government services and initiatives around jobs, land, economy, well-being and culture.
Includes a link to the Deparment of Prime Minister and Cabinet's Indigenous Affairs initiatives together with the policy documents, resources and services related to these. - Australian Bureau of Statistics - ATSI PeoplesThis section of the ABS collates a range of statistics related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Libraries, Museums and Archives
Our National and State Libraries, Museums and Government archives represent rich and important primary sources as well as curated collections and exhibitions about Australia's Indigenous people and our shared history. Here are some of our peak National bodies but do also look at the State based counterparts such as the State Library of WA, The State Records Office of WA and UWA's Berndt Museum.
- National Library of Australia - TroveTrove allows you to search the collections of the National Library and State Libraries across Australia as well as many other collections for Indigenous published and unpublished historical and contemporary content. See thier Indigenous web page for their collection highlights.
- National Museum AustraliaCollects and curates Indigenous histories and culture, such as the First Australians - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander permanent exhibition and resources.
- The National Archives of AustraliaResponsible for collecting the National Government records and archives, with these Indigenous Fact Sheet providing an introduction.
Media organisations and programs
- ABC Indigenous portalThe ABC Indigenous portal aggregates Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander stories from around the ABC & around Australia.
- National Indigenous Television (NITV)A searchable sub-section of the SBS website that allows you to review NITV programming and radio as well as collating other news and media on SBS on Indigeneous issues.
As part of your research, you will likely need to find grey literature, such as government reports, policy documents and fact sheets. Often these will be made available on the web as PDF documents.
For example, you can set Google to only search Australian government sites (.gov.au), and PDF file types.
Add to your regular search terms in the Google Search box:
site:.gov.au filetype:pdf
For example:
"indigenous communities" "mental health" site:.gov.au filetype:pdf
Google has an Advanced search box to make it easier to tailor your search.
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