Whispers from the Archives: Barriers to Hearing and Reclaiming Indigenous Narratives in Archival Research and Aboriginal Archaeology

This article explores the barriers to reclaiming and preserving Indigenous narratives in historic archives, focusing on the narrative case study of an Aboriginal woman (here a Kuruma woman, Sarah) from the Pilbara region of Western Australia (ca.1880-ca.1950). Barriers obstructed identification of, and access to, materials in archival collections, highlighting persistent challenges faced by researchers and Aboriginal community members. These included limited documentation, bureaucratic hurdles, and preservation issues, often exacerbated by copyright policies and institutional restrictions. Analysis reveals that access to historical documentation on Indigenous histories is still frequently obstructed, despite descendant communities being the (co)applicants of what are effectively family histories. This study provides further evidence of “New Protectionism,” whereby restrictive access policies inhibit Indigenous communities and researchers from reclaiming cultural narratives. This article suggests reform in archival policies, reflects on the implications for future research and heritage preservation, and highlights the role of archival research in Aboriginal archaeological practice. The integration of documentary sources into archaeological inquiry enables a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous histories, reinforcing the discipline’s commitment to ethical research and collaborative knowledge production.