Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded, but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of AIATSIS. While the information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided in an historical context.

People

Meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all walks of life.

The Aboriginal and Islanders Sports Hall of Fame travelling photographic exhibition now lives at AIATSIS

Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame

Anthony Martin Fernando. Image by Daryl Ciubal

Anthony Martin Fernando

Bernard Namok Jnr and the Torres Strait Islander flag

Bernard Namok

Cathy Freeman carrying the Australian Flag and Aboriginal flag after winning the 400 metre race at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Cathy Freeman

Eddie Koiki Mabo

Eddie Koiki Mabo

June Oscar

Encountering truth: the real life stories of objects from empire’s frontier and beyond

Oodgeroo Noonuccal, a signaller for the Australian Women's Army Service during World War II.

Fighters from the Fringe

Dancers at the ancient Lorrkkon ceremony, a tribute to Gagadju Man

Gagadju Man: Keeping his legacy alive

Working at the 2014 Nagoya Protocol Meeting of the Parties 1 at the Convention of Biological Diversity Conference in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Heritage is everybody's business

John Paul Janke showing guests some of the AIATSIS Collections

Indigenous Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Peace Dodd being interviewed by Jason Thomas. Image courtesy of Indigenous Community Stories.

Indigenous Community Stories

Book covers of items in our collection relating to Jandamara

Jandamarra - Bunuba warrior

Joe Edgar, Director of Karajarri Traditional Lands Association

Karajarri - Living with native title in the West Kimberley

Wiradjuri artist, poet and writer Kevin Gilbert

My Father’s Studio

Rob Williams, AIATSIS Collections staff member

Ngambri youth illustrate stories of generations past

Torres Strait Islander performance during the National Native Title Conference 2014

Population and distribution

The 4th Contingent, Queensland Imperial Bushmen, on their return from the Boer War in August 1901.

Rare photo of Indigenous involvement in the Boer War

Seaman Dan during a performance.

Steady Steady Seaman Dan

Amanda King next to her portrait of Professor Mick Dodson

The Mick Dodson portrait

Group portrait of the special platoon consisting of Aboriginal soldiers, all volunteers, at Number 9 camp at Wangaratta with Corporal Mullett (left), Major Joseph Albert Wright (centre) and Sergeant Morris (right). Major Wright, a World War 1 Light Horse veteran, was in charge of this Platoon, which was the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian military forces.

War Service

AIATSIS acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community.

We pay our respects to elders past and present.