Every family has a story waiting to be uncovered and Eurobodalla Libraries are inviting Aboriginal community members to discover theirs with free family-history workshops in August.
Designed to help Indigenous people explore their connection to family, kin, culture and Country, libraries coordinator Alana McHale says the workshops involve so much more than putting names on a family tree.
"Whether you're taking your first steps or you've hit a dead end, specialist Family Link researchers Aletha Rowan and Ben Hosford bring extraordinary knowledge and experience in navigating a path through all the research options with confidence," Mrs McHale says.
"Knowing where you come from can strengthen identity and belonging. With one-on-one guidance from Aletha and Ben, participants can explore these connections in a welcoming space. They understand how significant a journey this process can be in people's lives."
The workshops are delivered in partnership with Link-Up (NSW)'s Family Link Program. This program's dedicated researchers work with organisations including Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies to reconnect children and young people with family, community and Country, helping keep kinship connections as strong as possible.
Participants will learn how to trace family history, record evidence and make the most of the Ancestry Library Edition, with personalised support throughout. A workshop will run at each of the three libraries:
- Narooma Library - Wednesday 5 August, 10.30am to 12pm
- Moruya Library - Thursday 6 August, 10.30am to 12pm
- Batemans Bay Library - Thursday 6 August, 2.30pm to 4pm.
Participants should bring their laptop or other device to begin researching during the session. Library tablets are also available for use. Bookings are essential through the Eurobodalla Libraries events webpage or by contacting Narooma Library on 4476 1164, Moruya Library on 4474 1333 or Batemans Bay Library on 4472 5850.
