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What do I need to know?
The Koorie Index of Names is a database that can be searched to locate references to Victorian Aboriginal people and places that are mentioned in some archival records that relate to Aboriginal affairs (1839-1946). This database is not accessible online and is only searchable onsite at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne, or via request to the Koorie Reference Service.
The entries in the Koorie Index of Names reflect the original archival record, therefore the index may include variations in spelling of names and places. The index is not a dossier of all Aboriginal people, groups and places in Victoria.
How do I search?
- The index can be searched on computers at the Victorian Archives Centre reading room in North Melbourne.
- Enter a partial or full name into the index. Entering less information (for example, surname only, or partial surname) can sometimes yield more results.
- You can also search by place (for example, Lake Tyers, Milltown).
- Note the reference number provided and enter this information into the advanced search page - then order the original archival record in which the name appears.
- Original records, once ordered, can be viewed and copied in PROV's North Melbourne Reading Room.
- In some cases digitised records can be viewed online, or digital copies can be ordered for research purposes.
About these records
The records that have been indexed so far broadly cover the period 1839 to 1946.
Most of the government records linked to these names are letters and reports relating to the Victorian Aboriginal missions and reserves, as well as the early work of the Aboriginal Protectorate. The records were created by government employees, mission and reserve staff, as well as Aboriginal people.
Who created these records?
The index can be used to find references to people in:
- Board for the Protection of Aborigines: Correspondence files, 1867–1946, Record series number (VPRS) 1694
- Unregistered inward correspondence to the Chief Protector of Aborigines – reports and returns, 1847–1851. Record series number (VPRS) 11
- Inward Registered Correspondence to the Superintendent of Port Phillip District, relating to Aboriginal Affairs, 1839–1851 Record series number (VPRS) 10
Next Steps
Aboriginal family history researchers can request searches of both the Koorie Index of Names and Bringing Them Home (BTH) (National Archives) databases of Aboriginal names by contacting the Koorie Reference Officer using our online enquiry form.
The National Archives of Australia also has an index of Victorian Aboriginal records called the Bringing Them Home name index.
The index only covers a small portion of material about Aboriginal Victorians in our collection. See the Aboriginal Victorians page for links to further record series which are not covered by the index.
Our Cultural sensitivity statement provides information about publication and re-use of records about Aboriginal people.
What are in these records?
The index does not contain personal information about the people named, but provides a reference to the original archival record where that name appears.
Information indexed includes:
- names of Aboriginal people
- names of Victorian government Aboriginal missions, reserves and depots
- places where Aboriginal people have lived or visited
- details of records where that name appears, for example a letter or item of correspondence
Cultural sensitivity statement
These records provide evidence of past attitudes held by government officials and other individuals, and may contain language and content that is offensive or upsetting.
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples