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Integrating Indigenous Knowledges in the Curriculum

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Writing About Indigenous Peoples

When writing about Indigenous Peoples it is necessary to have a firm understanding of appropriate terminology when referring with Indigenous People.

What language is used can have both positive and negative effects on people, and reflect the various perceptions held by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people (Roberts et al. 2021). To promote an inclusive curriculum free of racial bias and discrimination, consider the following suggestions:

  • Capitalisation of proper nouns such as Indigenous, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, First Nations Peoples, and nations such as Wotjobaluk.
  • Using names of individual nations/language groups where known is considered more respectful.
  • Avoid possessive language such as 'The Aboriginal people', instead write Aboriginal people.
  • Avoid terms such as Aborigines, Blacks, Coloured, Native. Similarly avoid terms describing blood-quantum such as 'full-blood', 'half-caste', 'octaroon'. Only use these terms if critiquing primary sources.
  • Do not use the term 'islanders' or the acronym 'ATSI'.
  • Use nominated pronouns where they are known (she, he, they).

 

Roberts, Z., Carlson, B., O’Sullivan, S., Day, M., Rey, J., Kennedy, T., Bakic, T., & Farrell, A. (2021). A guide to writing and speaking about Indigenous People in Australia. Macquarie University. https://doi.org/10.25949/5TFK-5113

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