There is no single Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity. First Nations peoples are often called Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. But there is significant diversity within these 2 groups.
There is a wide range of nations, cultures and languages across mainland Australia and throughout the Torres Strait. Given this diversity, respectful language use depends on what different communities find appropriate.
‘Aboriginal’ is a broad term that groups nations and custodians of mainland Australia and most of the islands, including Tasmania, K’gari, Palm Island, Mornington Island, Groote Eylandt, Bathurst and Melville Islands.
‘Torres Strait Islander’ is a broad term grouping the peoples of at least 274 small islands between the northern tip of Cape York in Queensland and the south-west coast of Papua New Guinea. Many Torres Strait Islander peoples live on the Australian mainland. There are also 2 Torres Strait Islander communities at Bamaga and Seisia, within the Northern Peninsula area of Queensland.
Use culturally appropriate and respectful language when writing with, for or about First Nations peoples. Basic respectful language means using:
Language that can be discriminatory or offensive includes:
Many texts have referred to First Nations peoples in the past tense, but this use of past tense continues the historical erasure of First Nations peoples and continuing cultures. Be conscious of this habit and write to reflect the continuing cultural activities of First Nations peoples.
Always ask for people’s preferences about what they want to be called or how they want to identify. It is usually more respectful to be specific.
Use the following hierarchy based on what you are writing. If writing about:
‘Indigenous’ and ‘Aboriginal’ are broad terms imposed on First Nations peoples without consultation. These are not words they chose for themselves, and while the term ‘Indigenous Australians’ is in common use, many First Nations peoples may not be comfortable with it.
'Indigenous Australians' is a blanket term that homogenises a wide array of peoples and cultures. This can cause offence. If you must use this term, remember to only do so when writing generally about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The term Indigenous should always be capitalised.
Content about First Nations peoples has often focused on ‘problems’. This has 2 outcomes: making First Nations peoples ‘the problem’, or continuing a deficit discourse. Neither is acceptable.
It’s important to acknowledge the many wrongs and ongoing injustices that stem from our shared history. But it is just as important to acknowledge the strength of those First Nations peoples whose cultures survive and thrive today.
When writing, make sure to:
Consultation starts with Elders of the community. They might not be living on their Traditional Country, or there might be multiple groups to consult. If it’s not clear who you need to talk to, there are many community organisations that exist today and can help. These include land councils, housing, medical, legal or social organisations.
These groups will likely have a direct link to Traditional Owners and/or Elders they can help you contact. There is clear information about communities within the region on the Torres Strait Regional Authority's website. They are able to do this because it is a geographically small area.
Cross-cultural communication is not easy. Some basic starting points include:
Some of the information on this page has been taken from the Australian Governments Style manual for using culturally appropriate and respectful language when writing with, for or about First Nations peoples. For more information on respectful communicating and collaborating with First Nations peoples or groups, check out the following websites:
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.