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We are discussing Tracing family history
With Antoinette Buchanan, Stephanie Ryan and Jennifer Higgins

Question:
I am researching my family history. My ancestors are from Fiji and before that from India. I am finding it difficult to locate information on my ancestors - because many of them did not have recognisable surnames. Can you give me any advice on how to find out about my family history given these circumstances?

Answer:
Antoinette - It is very hard once a surname or other family identifier disappears from our tree. Go back as far as possible using conventional sources.

Start building a knowledge of the society in which your predecessors lived. Reading about the history of Fiji, and particularly about the Indian community in Fiji will help. Not only does it provide a social and historical framework for your family history, it allows you to imagine their lives and means that when you do come across a clue, you have the knowledge to ask the right questions. You can search the holdings of libraries across Australia via Libraries Australia. If there is nothing suitable near you, an inter library loan can be arranged through you public library.

If you haven't already done so, immigration records can be useful. Australian immigration records are held by the National Archives of Australia Data in these records may help you with the next step, researching Fiji sources.

Fiji National Archives would be one of the places to start in your overseas quest. The National Archives of Fiji holds many records that may be of use, including Immigration (Indian) Passes.

In Australia, the resources of the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau may also be of use. The Pacific Manuscripts Bureau, known as Pambu, copies archives, manuscripts and rare printed material relating to the Pacific Islands. The aim of the Bureau is to help with long-term preservation of the documentary heritage of the Pacific Islands and to make it accessible. Pambu microfilms comprise the most extensive collection of non-government primary documentation on the Pacific Islands available to researchers.

There are copies of government records, private papers, business records, churches records and missionaries papers.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) have also copied many Fijian records details of which are available on the. Family History Library Catalogue . You can order microfilm at your local LDS Resource Centre.

You could also join an online community interested in family history research in Fiji such as the Fiji Indian Genealogy group on Yahoo where you can post questions, seek assistance and help others.

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