Leslie Massey
When referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language. While the term Indigenous Australians has grown in popularity since the 1980s, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples dislike it as it is too broad and homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures. Instead, terms such as First Nations people, First Australians, First Peoples, or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are considered more appropriate. It is also important to recognise that Indigenous Australians have much more in common than categorising terms such as rural, isolated, and remote would suggest, and that written sources are often viewed as more reliable, when in fact, hundreds of distinct First Nations languages and dialects are alive and spoken today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use culturally appropriate and respectful language | First Nations People, First Australians, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples |
| Avoid homogenising a wide array of peoples and cultures | Indigenous Australians |
| Recognise the unique cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups | First Australians |
| Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as sovereign people of the land | First Nations |
| Avoid terms that suggest Aboriginal people are all the same | The Aborigines, The Aboriginal People |
| Recognise that Indigenous Australia is multicultural | |
| Recognise the humanity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | |
| Recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people understand their own history and identity | |
| Recognise that physical features do not determine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestry | |
| Recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use different terms to refer to themselves | Blackfella, Whitefella, Yellafella, Coloured, Koori, Murri, Nyoongah, Gamilaroi, Pitjantjatjara, Nunga |
| Recognise that some terms are considered less appropriate and offensive | Urban, Traditional, Transitional, Real Aborigine |
| Recognise the impact of colonisation and the need for reconciliation | |
| Recognise the importance of strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians |
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What You'll Learn
'First Nations people' or 'First Australians'
The terms "First Nations people" and "First Australians" are both appropriate and respectful ways to refer to Indigenous peoples in Australia. It is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language when writing about First Nations people.
"First Nations people" is a term that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the sovereign people of Australia. It acknowledges the various language groups as separate and unique sovereign nations. This term is inclusive of all Indigenous peoples in Australia and is a way to affirm and maintain a sense of identity.
"First Australians" emerged as a name that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia. This term can be useful to overcome the failure of "Aboriginal" and "Indigenous" to represent the unique cultures of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. However, some take issue with the reference to 'Australia', as it compromises the sovereignty of the first people that existed before the concept of 'Australia' came to be.
It is important to note that there is no unanimous view on the appropriate term, and preferences vary among individuals, families, and communities. It is respectful to allow them to define what they are most comfortable with.
The term "Indigenous Australians" has grown in popularity, and while it is convenient and widely used, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples dislike it. They feel that it is too generic and does not respect their distinct clan and people identities. It is a blanket term that homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures, which can cause offence.
Other terms to be aware of include “Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples”, which is appropriate when the audience is not clear or specific. It is also important to recognise that some individuals identify with both groups. Hundreds of distinct First Nations languages and dialects are alive and spoken today, and it is never appropriate to refer to them as 'extinct'.
Aboriginal-language terms for people, such as "Koori", "Murri", or "Nyoongah", are appropriate in the areas where they apply. Local terminology such as "Murray Island Peoples" and "Mer Island Peoples" is also used, as about 80% of the Torres Strait Island population now resides outside the Torres Strait.
In conclusion, when referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to use respectful and inclusive language. The terms "First Nations people" and "First Australians" are appropriate and recognised by many as their preferred terms. However, it is always best to respect the preferences of individuals, families, and communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with.
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'Indigenous Australians'
The term "Indigenous Australians" has become more popular since the 1980s and is used to refer to any person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. However, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples dislike the term "Indigenous Australians" as it is too generic and does not respect the unique and diverse cultures of their groups. It is a blanket term that homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures, which can cause offence.
It is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language when writing with, for, or about First Nations people. The term "First Nations people" is preferred over "First Nations Australians". Other appropriate terms include "First Peoples" and "First Australians", which recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia.
The term "Aboriginal" has been in the English language since at least the 16th century, meaning "first or earliest known, indigenous". It comes from the Latin "ab" (from) and "origo" (origin, beginning). The term "Aborigine" is often disfavoured due to its colonialist connotations. "Aboriginal" and "Torres Strait Islander" refer to different groups of people. Aboriginal refers to the original peoples of mainland Australia.
It is important to note that there is not a unanimous view on the appropriate term, and it is essential to respect the preferences of individuals, families, or communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with. For example, some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups prefer to be known by these titles over any others. Additionally, there are local names for particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups, such as "Gamilaroi" (NSW) or "Pitjantjatjara" (NT/SA).
In conclusion, while the term "Indigenous Australians" is commonly used, it is important to recognise that it may not be the preferred term for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Using culturally appropriate and respectful language is essential when referring to First Nations people.
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'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander'
When referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language. While the term "Indigenous Australians" has grown in popularity since the 1980s, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples dislike it as it is too generic and does not represent their unique cultures and identities. It is a blanket term that homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures, which can cause offence.
The term "First Nations people" or "First Nations Australians" is often used to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples collectively. It recognises them as the sovereign people of the land, with each language group as a separate and unique sovereign nation. However, it is important to note that not all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples identify with these terms, and some may prefer to be referred to by their local community, island, or language group. For example, specific terminology such as "Murray Island Peoples" or "Gamilaroi" may be used depending on the region.
Other terms such as "First Australians" and "First Peoples" have also emerged in recent years to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia. While the use of these terms is less common, they are preferred by some as they are more specific and respectful.
It is crucial to respect the preferences of individuals, families, or communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with. Additionally, it is important to avoid using inappropriate and offensive terms that categorise and assume differences between Indigenous Australian peoples of different areas, such as "rural", "isolated", and "remote". These terms have contributed to divisiveness and implied that Aboriginal people living in these communities are less socialised.
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'Blackfella' and 'Whitefella'
When referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language. While the terms 'Indigenous' and 'Aboriginal' are commonly used, they are broad terms imposed on First Australians without consultation. Many First Australians may not be comfortable with these terms as they homogenise a wide array of peoples and cultures.
Instead, it is recommended to use terms such as 'First Nations people', 'First Nations Australians', or 'First Australians'. These terms recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia and respect the diverse cultures and languages of these groups. Other acceptable terms include 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples', 'Aboriginal', and 'Torres Strait Islander', which refer to different groups of people. It is important to respect the preferences of individuals, families, or communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with.
In this context, the term 'Blackfella' (or variations like 'blackfellah', 'blackfulla', 'black fella', or 'black fellah') is an informal term used within Australian English to refer to Indigenous Australians, specifically Aboriginal Australians. 'Whitefella', on the other hand, refers to non-Aboriginal or European Australians. The pairing of these terms, 'Blackfella/Whitefella', has been used in various artistic works, including music and film, to address issues of racism and promote reconciliation and cooperation between people of all races in Australia.
The song "Blackfella/Whitefella", written by Neil Murray and George Rrurrambu, was recorded by their Aboriginal rock group, Warumpi Band, and released in 1985. The song drew attention to racism in Australia and encouraged harmony between people of all races. It received national airplay and attention when Midnight Oil accompanied Warumpi Band on a free concert tour of remote Aboriginal communities, known as the Blackfella/Whitefella Tour. The song has since been covered by various artists, including Powderfinger, Jimmy Little, and Missy Higgins, helping to spread its message and support Indigenous Australians.
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'Koori', 'Murri' or 'Nyoongah'
When referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language. The terms 'Indigenous' and 'Aboriginal' are broad terms imposed on First Australians without consultation and do not represent the unique cultures of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. Many First Australians may not be comfortable with the term 'Indigenous Australians' as it homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures.
Instead, it is recommended to use terms such as 'First Nations people', 'First Australians', or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples'. The term 'First Nations' recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the sovereign people of the land and acknowledges the various language groups as separate and unique sovereign nations. 'First Australians' recognises them as the first peoples of Australia.
In addition to these general terms, there are also regional terms used by Indigenous Australians to refer to specific geographical locations, such as 'palawa' or 'Noongar'. Some Indigenous Australians prefer to be known by these regional terms, which express pride in their heritage.
One such regional term is 'Koori', which refers to an Australian Aborigine, especially one from Victoria or southern New South Wales. The term 'Koori' is preferred by some Indigenous Australians over the more culturally loaded terms 'Aborigine' and 'Aboriginal'.
Another term is 'Murri', which is used to refer to a group of Indigenous Australians who traditionally spoke languages of the Mari family. The Murri people have their own rugby league team and radio station, expressing pride in their heritage.
Finally, 'Nyoongah' or 'Noongar' refers to Indigenous Australians in southern Western Australia.
When referring to Indigenous peoples in Australia, it is important to respect the preferences of individuals, families, or communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single best way to refer to Indigenous Peoples in Australia. It is important to respect the preferences of individuals, families, or communities and allow them to define what they are most comfortable with. However, terms such as "First Nations people", "First Australians", or "Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples" are often used.
The term "Indigenous Australians" is considered too broad and generic by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as it fails to represent their unique clan and people identities. It is also a relatively recent term that was popularised through international discussions.
Some appropriate terms include "First Nations Australians", "First Peoples", "First Australians", "Aboriginal", and "Torres Strait Islander". When referencing specific language groups, it is appropriate to use terms such as Arrernte, Koori, Murri, Nyoongah, or Nunga.
Yes, it is important to avoid offensive and inappropriate terms such as "the Aborigines", "the Aboriginal people", "rural", "isolated", and "remote". These terms suggest that Aboriginal people are all the same and imply that they are less socialised than people living in urban communities.
It is important to use culturally appropriate and respectful language when referring to Indigenous Peoples in Australia. Avoid using dichotomous language that divides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from non-Indigenous people. Instead, promote and build respectful two-way relationships and recognise their strength and sovereignty.
