Ngarigo Nation are the people of the snow. We are mountain people (Bemeringal), proud, determined, respectful, caring, sharing and compassionate. We look after our own. We had seasonal journeys down the mountain to hunt, trade and participate in ceremony. We stand up for ourselves. The Wirajuri used to describe us as Gurumal (hostile people), which probably reflected their experiences when we journeyed down the mountain.

We want our tribe to become strong once again, capable of meeting the needs of all members in the new millennium. Most of our tribe died early in the Colonial period through disease, poisoning, massacres and murder. Many tribal members were spread far and wide from the 1820’s onwards. At one time it was believed that the Ngarigo tribe was extinct, but we know that is untrue. We are alive and well and seeking to find our dispersed tribal brothers and sisters and bring them home.

We are undertaking an audit of Ngarigo people to bring us together. Anyone you know who identifies as Ngarigo or who suspects they have a Ngarigo connection, we want to meet them. We have prepared an information pack to assist people where necessary.

This information pack is primarily focused on establishing a Ngarigo blood connection. When this is done, the information needs to be put into a family story which shows how you personally connect to the Ngarigo tribe.

Establishing Blood Connection

We require the name of the apical ancestor/s and any details you may have about them such as:

• Date of birth;

• Location of birth;

• Names of parents;

• Birth certificates;

• Baptism certificates;

• Sibling birth certificates;

• Marriage certificates;

• Death certificates;

• Names of siblings and extended family where possible;

• Articles/photos/statements of fact about ancestors

Examples of the type of information you can find from Births, Deaths and Marriages are shown below. Sometimes Aboriginality is specifically stated but tribal membership is rarely stated. However, the overall information contained in these documents provides important signposts to follow up, for example place of birth can provide a strong indication of possible tribal identity.

Birth Certificate

• Surname;

• Given name of child;

• Date of birth;

• Place of birth;

• Sex;

• Father’s name;

• Father’s Occupation;

• Mother’s name;

• Mother’s maiden name;

• Ages of parents and any siblings;

• Place of residence;

• Registration number

Marriage Certificate

• Names of the couple;

• Any maiden/former names used

• Occupations

• Address

• Place of birth

• Any previous marriages

• Names of parents

• Registration number

Death Certificate

• Name of deceased

• Sex

• Date of death

• Cause of death

• Place of death

• Age

• Occupation

• Residence

• Place of birth

• Place of marriage

• Name of spouse

• Children

• Location of burial

• Informant of the death

• Registration number

A very useful document to start with is the AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) Family Kit. This is a comprehensive guide which lists many additional resources including how to contact AIATSIS to get additional advice.

Link-Up organisations exist in most states and territories to assist Aboriginal people who have been affected by past government policies. Link-Up provides professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunions and Social, Emotional and Wellbeing services to those over the age of eighteen.

• New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory

• Northern Territory Stolen Generations

• Queensland

• South Australia - Nunkuwarrin Yunti

• Victoria

• Western Australia - Kimberley Stolen Generation

• Western Australia - Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation

• Tasmania (no Link-Up service available)

The AIATSIS Family History Unit and Link-Ups

The AIATSIS Family History Unit works closely with Link-Ups to help members of the Stolen Generations find their families and family histories.

In conjunction with Link-Ups, AIATSIS developed a Certificate IV in Stolen Generations Family History Research and Case Management.

AIATSIS also offers ongoing research support in family tracing.

AIATSIS has memoranda of understanding with Canberra-based institutions and can assist Link-Ups to find and retrieve documents from:

• ACT Heritage Library;

• ACT Territory Records;

• Australian War Memorial;

• National Archives of Australia;

• National Library of Australia; and

• Noel Butlin Archives Centre.

Your personal family story should cover:

• Where and how you fit in;

• What circumstances led to your disconnection from Ngarigo Culture and Country;

• What circumstances led to your reconnection with Ngarigo Culture and Country;

• What your understanding is of your rights and responsibilities as a tribal member.

What acceptance as a Ngarigo tribesperson means:

• Each member has a personal story which is confirmed by the NNIC Board, including Ngarigo Elders;

• An identification certificate with the tribal logo and Ngarigo Nation Common Seal;

• A history of the Ngarigo tribe covering

  • Pre-colonisation;

  • The colonial years;

  • Present tribal circumstances;

  • Future plans;

  • Invitation to participate in the ongoing life and wellbeing of the tribe.

We welcome all people who have a passion for furthering Ngarigo and First Owners’ interests and would like to join NNIC.

To join NNIC please complete the attached application form (PDF | Word) and return it to ngarigonation8749@gmail.com.

Your contribution will help us continue our objectives of preservation, protection and presentation of identity, country and culture. We thank you for your donation.

You can donate online via SquareSpace, our web hosting company, using a credit or debit card.

Alternatively, email ngarigonation8749@gmail.com for our account details if you wish to make a direct deposit.