Arabic version: متحف جنوب أستراليا يساعد الشعوب الأصلية في اكتشاف تاريخ العائلة
Every year, hundreds of First Nations people seek assistance from Ali Abdullah-Highfold at the South Australian Museum in their quest to uncover family histories. Abdullah-Highfold, who works at the museum’s Aboriginal family history unit, has dedicated 28 years to helping Indigenous individuals reconnect with their lineage.
According to ABC News, Abdullah-Highfold has witnessed emotional reunions, including instances where Stolen Generation members have seen photographs of their biological parents for the first time. He utilizes the museum’s extensive genealogy records, which date back to colonization, to trace family trees for those seeking their heritage.
The South Australian Museum houses the largest collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural materials globally, with tens of thousands of items stored in its archives. Abdullah-Highfold credits the foundational work of Aunty Doreen Kartinyeri, a prominent Ngarrindjeri elder and historian who initiated the family history unit in 1988. He aims to continue her legacy by helping people reclaim their identities and address the trauma associated with their histories.
With the growing demand for family history research, Kaurna elder Tim Agius highlighted the importance of Abdullah-Highfold’s work in reconnecting individuals with their culture and language. He pointed out that accessing state government archival records can take up to two or three years, leaving many waiting for vital information. Agius advocates for improved accessibility of these records to facilitate self-research for Aboriginal people.
Abdullah-Highfold expressed the urgency of his work, noting that many elders who hold crucial knowledge are aging. He is actively working towards digitizing records to ensure greater community access and hopes to leave a lasting legacy that empowers future generations. This year, Australia is celebrating its 50th NAIDOC Week, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in recognizing Indigenous histories.
