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.
First Nations and First Peoples
Other pluralised terms such as 'First Nations' or 'First Peoples' are also acceptable language, and respectfully encompass the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities.
In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, extended periods of silence during conversations are considered the 'norm' and are valued. Silent pauses are used to listen, show respect or consensus. The positive use of silence should not be misinterpreted as lack of understanding, agreement or urgent concerns.
Showing respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be demonstrated by seeking opinion from a wide range of Elders and other community members. Respect refers to the way an individual treats others.
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.
Australia has a strong culture of egalitarianism that it doesn't like to see violated. No matter their job, treat people with equal respect and use 'please', 'thank you' and 'excuse me' with everyone.
The best way to respect people from other cultures is to strike a balance between curiosity and appreciation: ask questions if your friends are open to it, but also learn how to just silently observe and appreciate the differences that make us unique.
The protocols identified in this document address Welcome to Country, Acknowledgement of Country, Engaging with Elders and Community, Cultural Service and Performances, Flag Raising, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduands, Intellectual Property, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, Research, ...
Offensive names
However many may not be aware that shortening the term 'Aboriginal' to 'Abo' is highly offensive to Indigenous people due to historical usage and is considered a derogatory term, as 'Koon' or 'Boong' are. It's best to avoid these slurs in general.
Here are some that you should know. Anangu traditionally greet each other by saying 'palya', a word that can also mean welcome, thank you, understood, ok and goodbye.
'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.
The complex set of spiritual values developed by Aboriginal people and that are part of the Dreamtime include 'self-control, self-reliance, courage, kinship and friendship, empathy, a holistic sense of oneness and interdependence, reverence for land and Country and a responsibility for others.
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.
Invite local Aboriginal organisations/elders for a morning tea and talk about historical information regarding the local area. Do an Acknowledgement of Country at the start of activities. Ask an Aboriginal person to do a Welcome to Country at ceremonies and official events. Treat people as friends rather than clients.
Cultural respect benefits consumers, stakeholders, and communities and supports positive health outcomes. Because several elements can influence health communication—including behaviors, language, customs, beliefs, and perspectives—cultural respect is also critical for achieving accuracy in medical research.
Cultural respect can be defined as the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of a particular culture.
Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to cultural evolution. The term "cultural diversity" can also refer to having different cultures respect each other's differences.
Australians respect people with strong opinions, even if they don't agree. Avoid discussions about the treatment of the aboriginal people. Don't comment on anyone's accent. Accents often distinguish social class.
Family, land, law, and language are four critical aspects of Aboriginal culture, and Aboriginal families are linked to land via kinship systems.