Use Ancestor charts and records to keep track of family members. Family History books explain these reporting techniques. Remember that these charts and records do not allow for Indigenous cultural differences. The Aboriginal tradition of taking more than one wife and the constant changing of surnames are two such differences. Check out local sources.
Indigenous families trace their family history back to a specific area or location.
Indigenous families or groups often lived, married and died within the boundaries of their lands. Indigenous peoples' history, religion and education revolved around oral history passed down through the generations. This culture was reinforced with the establishment of sacred sites and special ceremonies performed on their land. The oral tradition was damaged with the coming of white settlers and by the government, which removed Aboriginals from their land and forbade them the right to learn about their heritage. Even education in basic writing skills was not commonplace.