First Nations Community Access to Archives
The First Nations Community Access to Archives (FNCAA) Project is led by the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) in partnership with Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) and the Australian Museum (AM). The project supports Aboriginal Communities across NSW to access archival records relating to Language, Culture, Kinship and Stories.
The project is grounded in the understanding that archival records are important resources for Community-led Language revitalisation, learning, teaching and Cultural renewal. Through improved access to archival collections, the FNCAA Project helps return valuable knowledge to the people and Communities to whom it belongs.
Many archival records contain spoken and written words, descriptions of traditional practices, imagery, Cultural knowledge and historical accounts that Communities can use to strengthen Languages, support Cultural renewal and deepen connections to Culture, Community and Country.
"Aboriginal Languages carry our knowledge, identity and connection to Country. Communities across NSW have called for greater access to their archived records and are leading the important work of reclaiming and reawakening Language knowledge. This project will help communities access significant archival materials that support Language revitalisation and cultural renewal, ensuring valuable knowledge held in archives can be returned to the people and communities it belongs to." - Brendan Moyle, Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust
Supporting Community access
The FNCAA Project works to improve access to archival materials held within some of New South Wales' most significant collecting institutions.
Through the partnership, First Nations staff work alongside archivists, museum professionals, librarians and conservation specialists to identify, conserve, digitise and improve access to Language and cultural materials. This work is guided by First Nations leadership, Cultural care principles and Community priorities.
The project supports:
- Improved access to archival records relating to Languages, Stories, Kinship and Cultures
- Community-led Language revitalisation and cultural renewal
- Culturally safe pathways for Communities to engage with archival collections
- Digitisation and enhancement of significant archival materials
- Development of the First Nations archives, libraries and museum workforce
- Greater opportunities for Communities to access and engage with cultural knowledge held in public collections.
Investing in Language and Cultural Knowledge
The NSW Government has supported the FNCAA Project through Closing the Gap commitments, enabling search and discovery, conservation, digitisation and expanded access activities across partner institutions. The project's continued growth supports the long-term goal of returning valuable Language and Cultural Knowledge to Communities and strengthening opportunities for future generations of Language custodians, practitioners and learners.
The Aboriginal Languages Trust works through these partnerships to ensure Aboriginal Languages are supported, protected and celebrated in ways that strengthen Cultural identity, Community wellbeing and intergenerational Knowledge sharing.
Museums of History NSW
The State Archives Collection contains significant historical records relating to First Nations peoples and Communities across New South Wales. These records document the impact of colonial policies, legislation and government decisions from the early years of colonisation and provide valuable insights into Aboriginal histories, Cultures, Languages and connections to Country.
The collection includes records relating to key historical events and experiences, including land dispossession, child removal, the Frontier Wars, and laws and policies that affected Aboriginal Communities throughout NSW. Through the First Nations Community Access to Archives Project, these records can help support Community-led research, Cultural renewal and Language revitalisation by improving access to knowledge that may be of value to First Nations Communities today.
Join the MHNSW FNCAA Language Community stakeholders list
Please note: sign‑up is managed by Museums of History NSW as part of the FNCAA partnership.
Australian Museum
The Australian Museum's collections contain significant Cultural, archival and research materials relating to First Nations peoples, their Kinship, Stories, Cultures and Languages. Built over more than 200 years, these collections include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Collections, Aboriginal Archaeology, Pasifika Cultural Collections, World Cultures, and Rare Books, Library and Archive materials.
The Museum's archives comprise approximately one million records and provide an important source of Cultural and Language knowledge for Communities across New South Wales. Through the First Nations Community Access to Archives Project, access to these materials is being enhanced to support Language revitalisation, Cultural renewal and culturally appropriate engagement with archival collections.