Terminology

There may be terminology in this module that is unfamiliar. While this is not a full glossary, we have provided context for key terms and phrases. The Language of Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Introductory Guide (Bunda, et. al., 2023) has further information on terminology.

Ways of Identifying

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may identify in many different ways. In this module, we will use specific terminology. Outside of this module, it is always best to ask Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people how they identify and what language they are comfortable using.

Throughout this module, we will use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander when referring to the two distinct Indigenous groups of the continent now known as Australia. The term Indigenous will be used sparingly, primarily when citing other resources. While some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples do identify as Indigenous, others see this term as grouping together two distinct cultural groups.

In this module, we will use the terms Murri and Goori when discussing Aboriginal peoples within Queensland and north-west New South Wales.

Blak

The term blak, when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, was first used by artist, Destiny Deacon, in a 1994 art exhibition titled, Blakness: Blak City Culture. This term has since grown in popularity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially within political activism or ‘blaktivism’—which denotes activism enacted or led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities (Latimore, 2021). While we use blak in this module, we understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples identify in many ways.

Capitalisation

When using terms such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, it is important to capitalise each word. This is respectful, just as it is respectful to refer to German or French people with the capitalisation. It is also important to capitalise Indigenous when using the term to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the term is used for many peoples across the globe, the capitalisation of ‘Indigenous’ indicates an Australian context while a lowercase ‘indigenous’ usually denotes an international context. In this module, you will also see Country capitalised. This is to denote the great respect and value Country has within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures.