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Appendix B: Appropriate language when writing
about Aboriginal people and culture

It is important to use appropriate language and terminology when working with and preparing materials
relating to Aboriginal people.

The use of accurate and non-offensive language is an essential component of respect for Aboriginal culture
and communities.

Key guidelines

• Use the term Aboriginal instead of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Indigenous as a standard
reference. The term is broadly preferred by Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.
• The names of Aboriginal clan, tribes and languages, together with places that have Aboriginal names,
should be capitalised.

Appropriate terms

Aboriginal This is the preferred Victorian Government term -- with an initital capital letter.
Use it as an adjective, rather than a noun
✓ The Government’s new strategy will support increased business with
Victorian Aboriginal people.
✗ The Government’s new strategy will support increased business with
Aboriginals.
The word aboriginal in lower case refers to someone from any part of the world
and not necessarily the Aboriginal people of Australia.

Aboriginal is not generally inclusive of Torres Strait Islander people, so it is
better to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander where necessary.

Aboriginal people/s—correct use By adding an ‘s’ to people, you are emphasising the diversity of Aboriginal
languages, communities, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Use either in
appropriate context.
✓ At the time of European colonisation, there were about 600 Aboriginal
peoples. ‘Peoples’ is used to describe the complex multilayered, social
organisations of Aboriginal societies.

✓ At the time of European colonisation, there were between 300,000 and one
million Aboriginal people living in Australia (‘people’ here refers to more than
one person).

Aboriginal Victorians This preferred term specifically refers to Aboriginal people living in Victoria.

Acknowledgment of Country Used to pay respect to the Traditional Owners and recognise Victoria’s
Aboriginal history.

Closing the gap/Close the gap Capitalise only when referring to the title of a document.
Elder A person recognised as a custodian of knowledge, culture, or lore.

First People of Australia/First These are collective names that can be used for the original people of
Australians/first peoples Australia and their descendants.

Native Title Act 1993 Always italicise the full name of the act.

native title/native title rights Use these terms when referring to the recognition by Australian law that some
Indigenous people have rights and interests to their land that come from their
traditional laws and customs.

Writing with style 25
Our guide to better writing and reaching your readers