This paper presents a summary of the information collected during FaHCSIA’s community engagement qualitative trial undertaken in the Australian Capital Territory metropolitan region and the Queanbeyan region as part of the ‘Footprints in Time’ Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. It is based on focus groups and in-depth interviews with key informants and community members including: Elders, parents, care givers, young people, prominent Indigenous organisations and government departments funding Indigenous programs. The trial was conducted between January and August 2005. This paper provides extracts of ‘growing up stories’ from people who live in the ACT metro/Queanbeyan region related to Indigenous children growing up healthy and strong and their perceptions of how their families, communities and environment affect their children’s pathways throughout life. This qualitative research, i.e. the stories, has made an important contribution to the overall evaluation of preparatory work for the ‘Footprints in Time’ national study. The analysis of these qualitative data provides a strong evidence base, endorsed by stakeholders, to guide the design and content of the study including strategies for: community engagement; promotion of the study and obtaining informed consent; qualitative data collection; and dissemination of information and data back to communities. Key findings are summarised under two headings: contributors to positive outcomes for Indigenous children; and contributors to poor outcomes for Indigenous children.