A joint Victorian guide to records about Aboriginal people in the Public Record Office Victoria and National Archives of Australia collections.

This 200-page book provides a comprehensive guide to records created by government organisations for the period 1836-1975 relating to the Aboriginal people of Victoria.

The guide is a response by both institutions to the recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody that government archives make records relating to Aboriginal people more accessible to allow Aboriginal people to re-establish community and family links. The guide was first published in 1993, International Year of the World's Indigenous People.

Introducing the book, Jim Berg of the Gunditjmara Tribe and former Chairperson of the Koorie Heritage Trust wrote:
" 'My Heart is Breaking' will be an important resource for cross cultural training programs. I also recommend it to all Koories, Koorie organisations, schools, educational institutions and individuals who are interested in the history of Victoria."

The first part of the guide gives information about undertaking research at the two archives and lists over one hundred series of records, giving information about their contents and date range. Also included is a listing of personal case files which will be of value to those interested in genealogical research in particular.

Part 2 provides glimpses of the people and events through the presentation of excerpts from the holdings of both archives. The title of the book comes from one of these excerpts. Margaret Harrison a resident of Ebenezer Station wrote in 1884:
"Please would you allow me to have my daughters with me... Please do not disappoint me for my heart is breaking to have them with me. Please send them up here as I cannot leave this station."

The book is fully indexed and features photographs and illustrations.

A reference copy of ‘My Heart Is Breaking’ can be found at the joint PROV/NAA reading rooms at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne, or you can purchase a copy by completing a mail order form.

'My Heart Is Breaking' is currently being updated.

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