Use plain words (e.g. say 'start' rather than 'commence'). Avoid using hypothetical examples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a tendency to agree with the questions even when they do not understand or agree, and may answer questions the way they think others want.
For a non-Aboriginal person, or an Aboriginal person who is not a descendant of that tribal land, acknowledging the local Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners is a mark of respect. It is also respectful to acknowledge Elders past and present.
However, those with Indigenous ancestry might use the term to refer to themselves or other Indigenous peoples. 'First Nations,''Aboriginal,' and more recently, 'Indigenous' are more current and are preferred by many in the community, though each has particular nuances.
Be consistent – The preference is to use 'First Nations people', 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(s)', or 'Indigenous Australians'.
Boozhoo = Hello / Greetings.
clear, value free, open and respectful communication. developing trust. recognising and avoiding stereotypical barriers. being prepared to engage with others in a two-way dialogue where knowledge is shared.
The words are: 'I begin today by acknowledging the <insert name of people here (e.g. Ngunnawal)> people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we <gather/meet> today, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.'
'Are you [is the person] of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin? ' Patients may be asked the question in person or over the phone, or asked to complete a form. It is important that the question is asked exactly as it is worded.
And if you are talking about both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it's best to say either 'Indigenous Australians' or 'Indigenous people'. Without a capital “a”, “aboriginal” can refer to an Indigenous person from anywhere in the world. The word means “original inhabitant” in Latin.
More appropriate
'Nation', 'community', 'people', 'mob' or the local language or Page 3 culture group name is usually preferable to 'tribe'. 'Mob' is an Aboriginal English word and as such may be more appropriate, but community acceptance may be required before using this word.
It can only be done by Traditional Custodians of the land you're on. If no Traditional Custodian is available, a First Nations person from a different nation, or a non-Indigenous person, may do an Acknowledgement of Country instead.
Indigenous communication forms such as festivals, traditional institutions, folklore, drama, music, songs, dance, drums, and poetry amongst others are dominant sources of entertainment, and they inform and reform social, moral and human values of their societies.
Assimilationist terms such as 'full-blood,' 'half-caste' and 'quarter-caste' are extremely offensive and should never be used when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Only artists from certain tribes are allowed to adopt the dot technique. Where the artist comes from and what culture has informed his/her's tribe will depend on what technique can be used. It is considered both disrespectful and unacceptable to paint on behalf of someone else's culture. It is simply not permitted.
To make sure that no Indigenous Australian misses out on these opportunities to reduce their risks and improve their health, we ask every patient whether they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Making contact with the LALC or the AECG should help with finding out the Traditional Custodians of your area. Your local council may also have this information. Children are connected to family, a culture, the land, water and the wider community before they are born.
These principles are: • Self-determination • Participation in decision making • Respect for and protection of culture • Equality and non-discrimination. When people are working and operating within the frames of the UNDRIP, they are working in a culturally safe manner.
Shame may be felt as a result of: • a lack of respect • embarrassment • self importance/self promotion • rudeness • a breach of accepted Aboriginal “norms” and/or taboos A shame job is an an event which causes a person shame or embarrassment.
'Aborigine' is a noun for an Aboriginal person (male or female).
Koori (or Koorie)
Koori is a term denoting an Aboriginal person of southern New South Wales or Victoria. 'Koori' is not a synonym for 'Aboriginal'. There are many other Aboriginal groups across Australia (such as Murri, Noongar, Yolngu) with which Indigenous Australians may identify themselves.