The Koorie Records Unit developed a free two-day workshop called 'Know Your History, Preserve Your Culture' which addressed aspects of recommendations 4 and 6 of the wilam naling report.

The three aspects that were worked into all workshops were:
• Cultural awareness training for government record holders
• Training for non-government record holders
• Promoting good recordkeeping in Koorie communities

The workshops targeted all recordkeeping sectors including government, historical societies, Victorian Aboriginal organisations, communities and individuals. To successfully reach all target audiences 7 regional workshops were conducted across Victoria in addition to 1 metropolitan workshop. Unfortunately, a workshop scheduled in Albury/Wodonga was cancelled due to complications. However, all invited guests were sent invitations to attend the Shepparton workshop.

The workshops were conducted in the following locations:

The first day focused on delivering cultural awareness on recordkeeping and an understanding of what 'Stolen Generations' means and the individuals who were affected by past government policies. This was an essential part of the workshop, educating participants about why records are so important to people affected by removal policies.

Participants were provided with an overview of past reports and recommendations (Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Bringing Them Home and wilam naling), demonstrating how past and present reports fit together, and the recommendations and changes that have flowed from them.

Stolen Generations representation was strongly encouraged and where possible invitations were offered to members of the Stolen Generations to talk about their life journey. Evaluation feedback showed that this was a great benefit to participants as it provided first-hand experiences to which they could relate.

Stolen Generations Victoria (SGV) also provided support and participated in all workshops providing participants with background information about the newly-created organisation and the services they aim to deliver.

The second day focused on records management incorporating access issues, legislation and conservation advice. This provided participants with a good basic grounding in recordkeeping practices, with the level of training tailored to the participants attending. Preservation advice was provided by the National Archives of Australia (NAA) Melbourne office conservation section. The demonstrations provided simple steps individuals and small organisations can take to preserve their paper records and photographs, tapes and other artefacts.

Feedback received through evaluation forms indicated a high level of satisfaction from the participants that attended the workshops.

Below is a selection of photographs from the workshops.

Download the workshop flyer and workshop program of events.

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