The First Nations Community Access to Archives (FNCAA) Project is a partnership between the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT) and Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) that supports Aboriginal Communities across NSW to access archival records containing Language, Culture, kinship and stories. The project is grounded in the understanding that these records are important resources for Community‑led Language revitalisation, learning and teaching.

Many of these records contain spoken and written words, descriptions of traditional practices, imagery and historical accounts that Communities can use to reconnect with and strengthen their Languages.

Through the FNCAA partnership, First Nations staff within MHNSW work alongside archive and conservation specialists to locate, conserve and digitise Language materials, guided by First Nations voices and Cultural care principles. This approach supports Culturally safe access, builds sector capability, and centres Community authority over how Language materials are used and shared.

The NSW Government has invested $4.27 million through the 2022–23 Closing the Gap Budget to support establishment, search and discovery, conservation and digitisation phases of FNCAA. A further $9.2 million investment in the 2025–26 State Budget enables expansion to the State Library of NSW and the Australian Museum, and supports work to begin returning digitised Language materials back to Community.

ALT works through this partnership to ensure Aboriginal Languages are supported, protected and returned to Community in ways that strengthen Cultural identity and support future generations.

Join the Language Community stakeholders list

Aboriginal Communities, Language practitioners, Elders and knowledge holders are warmly invited to stay connected with the First Nations Community Access to Archives (FNCAA) Project.

By joining the list, you can:

• Receive updates about Aboriginal Language materials held in public collections
• Hear about opportunities to view, access and work with archival records
• Share your needs and priorities to help guide Culturally safe access
• Stay informed about future work to return digitised Language materials back to Community
• Your input helps ensure archival access supports Community‑led Language revitalisation and reflects Aboriginal cultural care principles.

Join the FNCAA language community stakeholders list
Please note: sign‑up is managed by Museums of History NSW as part of the FNCAA partnership.