Wikipedia:WikiProject Australia/Draft style guide1

[Lead paragraph]

This article gives an overview of the topic by summarising the recommendations or style guides offered by a number of reputable sources.

As per those articles listed in the sources which provide such definitions (composite):

• Indigenous Australians are the many peoples who inhabited the continent of Australia and its islands before European settlement/colonisation, including Tasmania, Hinchinbrook Island, Fraser Island, the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt and other islands off Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Torres Strait Islands, and various other islands which were inhabited before the arrival of Europeans.{{#tag:ref|Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands were apparently uninhabited at the time of settlement, although the descendants of the Cocos Malays who were brought to the islands by the first settler, Alexander Hare, are {{as of|lc=yes|2019}} seeking recognition from the Australian Federal Government to be acknowledged as Indigenous Australians.{{cite web|website=The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/a-group-of-southeast-asian-descendants-wants-to-be-recognised-as-indigenous-australians-98186|title=A group of Southeast Asian descendants wants to be recognised as Indigenous Australians|date=25 June 2018|first1=Nicholas|last1=Herriman|first2=David R.M.| last2=Irving |first3=Greg|last3=Acciaioli |first4=Monika|last4=Winarnita |first5=Trixie Tangit|last5=Kinajil|access-date=2 December 2019 }}|group=Note}}

• Aboriginal Australians are the Indigenous peoples of mainland Australia, Tasmania, Hinchinbrook Island, Fraser Island, the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt, and other islands of the Northern Territory, but excluding Torres Strait Islanders, who are ethnically Melanesian and whose territory is partly administered by a different authority from the rest of Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been included in the 5-yearly census since 1971.{{cite web|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4713.0Explanatory%20Notes12006?OpenDocument|date=28 July 2011|title=4713.0 - Population Characteristics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2006: Explanatory notes|access-date=12 December 2019 }}

Australian Bureau of Statistics' definition of Indigenous:

"The term Indigenous is used in this publication to refer to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All ABS Indigenous population statistics are based on responses to the ABS standard question for Indigenous identification, which is used in self-enumerated collections. The same Census question has been used to determine Indigenous status (but not its component peoples) since the 1981 Census."

Since 1996, the person has been asked whether they are of either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, both or none.

Summary of ABC guidelines:{{cite web|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|website=ABC Editorial Policies|title=ABC Indigenous Content|series= Editorial Guidance Note|date=8 October 2015|url=https://edpols.abc.net.au/guidance/abc-indigenous-content/|access-date=11 December 2019}}

• Seek advice before using regional terms such as Koori (New South Wales), Nunga (South Australia), Yolngu (Northern Territory) and Murri (Queensland), some of which may be offensive to Indigenous people.
• Be careful of the word "black", which depends on context.
• Wherever possible, use a specific rather then general term, i.e. by people/nation or language group (such as Yuin, Kaurna or Western Arrernte), unless a person's self-identification is a general term such as "Aboriginal". As far as possible, use a term based on the basis of self-identification by individuals and/or immediate families.
• "Aboriginal" is the most accepted general term when addressing a national audience; however, "Indigenous Australian"Note:Added "Australian", as WP needs to operate in the global context. used in a national sense can be used for "Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander", or either group singularly. (Suggested shorter alternatives are Aboriginal groups, Indigenous communities, etc.; don't use regional descriptors (e.g. Murri, Koori) unless a stated preference. Torres Strait Islanders should not be described as Aboriginal.{{cite web|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|website=ABC |series=About the ABC|title=The ABC Style Guide|url=https://about.abc.net.au/abc-editorial/the-abc-style-guide/#A|access-date=11 December 2019}})
• "Aboriginal Australian" should be used as the noun and "Aboriginal" as the adjective. Do NOT use the word "Aborigine", which many Indigenous Australians find offensive.
• Avoid language and images which perpetuate negative stereotypes of Indigenous Australians and their culture.

What may have seemed acceptable terminology in the past, can be considered extremely offensive today, and preferences can vary across Australia for individuals, communities and agencies.{{cite book|url=https://www.actcoss.org.au/sites/default/files/public/publications/gulanga-good-practice-guide-preferences-terminology-referring-to-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-peoples.pdf|publisher= ACT Council of Social Service Inc.|series=Gulanga Good Practice Guides|title=Preferences in terminology when referring to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples|date=December 2016|access-date=16 December 2019}}

• ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’ (adjective) is a term extensively used, and has wide acceptance throughout Australia when referring to Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders, and related topics.
• ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ (plural; can use "and/or") is a preferred term used by some, to refer to the many Aboriginal groups and Torres Strait Islander groups within Australia. This can also be applied when referring to other topics such as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures. By doing so, you are referencing two cultures rather than a joint ‘culture’.
• 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person’ is a term used when referring to a person of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
• ‘Indigenous’ (capitalised, adjective) is a term extensively used throughout Australia when referring to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, and related topics. Be aware that some Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are dissatisfied with the term ‘Indigenous’. Reasons may include: It can detract from the preferred identity of the individual, or group of people; although the term is used for inclusiveness, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are dissimilar in many ways, such as their identity, culture, traditions, language, beliefs, ethnicity, issues, protocols, continuity of existence, and history before and after the settlement of other peoples; it is a generic term and does not adequately describe Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples; the term is merely used for convenience, to alleviate repeating ‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander’. Similarly, "Indigenous Australians".
• ‘Aboriginal’ (adjective, capitalised) is extensively used and widely accepted throughout Australia when referring to Aboriginal peoples and topics. Aboriginal peoples are the first peoples of mainland Australia and many of its islands such as Tasmania, Groote Eylandt, Hinchinbrook Island and Fraser Island.
• "Aboriginal peoples" to refer to the man groups (up to 500 before colonisation).
• "Aboriginal Australians" is generally acceptable, although this varies.
• Better to rephrase than use "non-Aboriginal", if possible.
• "Aborigine" or "aborigine" has historical negative connotations, so best avoided; use only when quoting directly.
• Don't use "part-Aboriginal" or "half-Aboriginal". If an individual identifies of being of multiple ethnic origins, it is better to say, e.g. "Tom is of both Aboriginal and South Sea Islander descent".
• "Torres Strait Islander" - for use when the topic concerns only this group. Do not abbreviate as "TSI" or "Islander".
• "First Australians", ‘Australia’s First Peoples’ and ‘First Nations Australia’ (all capitalised) are terms growing in acceptance. The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and the First Nations Australia Writers Network are two organisations which have embraced these terms. First Australians was the name of an historical TV documentary made by Rachel Perkins and Blackfella Films, aired on SBS in 2008.
• "First Nations" or ‘First Peoples’ (capitalised) can refer to the peoples or nations of people who were there from the beginning, prior to the settlement of other peoples or nations; however the terms are generic; the term ‘First Nations’ is also used in Canada when referring to descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada such as the Mohawk and Cree peoples.

When specifically referring to Aboriginal peoples or topics, your communications should reflect this, e.g. Aboriginal art, rather than Indigenous art, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Summary of AIATSIS guidelines:{{cite web|url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australians-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people|website=Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies|date=21 Mar 2018|title=Indigenous Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people |access-date=11 December 2019}}

• Use individual's preference if known.
• Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not like to be referred to as "Indigenous", the term being considered too generic.
• Aboriginal people may refer to themselves e.g. as Koori, Murri or Nunga, dependent on the greater region they are connected to; some are also able to link to their language groups and traditional country (a specific geographic location), for example, Gunditjamara people of western Victoria; Gadigal people of the Eora nation from Sydney, and the Yawuru people from Broome, Western Australia.
• Other descriptors relating to type of country of origin are also sometimes used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as "saltwater people" for coastal peoples, or "freshwater", "rainforest", "desert" or "spinifex people" for people who live in that ecological environment. However, apart from the latter, these terms are generally not recommended for use in Wikipedia except when quoting.
• Torres Strait Islander people prefer to use the name of their home island to identify themselves to outsiders, even when born and raised in mainland Australia, such as Saibai for someone from Saibai Island, or Meriam for someone from Mer.

This website contains general guidance and citations from other sources. It quotes the Aboriginal-owned newspaper Koori Mail, which tries to be as specific as possible when writing about Aboriginal people, recommending the following hierarchy in descending order of preference:{{cite web|url=https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/how-to-name-aboriginal-people|website=Creative Spirits|title=How to name Aboriginal people?}}

• The person's language group, e.g. Wiradjuri language.
• The area the person comes from, e.g. Murri people.
• Aboriginal if they come from mainland Australia, Torres Strait Islander if they're from there.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to be generic.

According to some respected academics, even terms such as "urban", "traditional" or "of Indigenous descent" may be seen as racist when defining or categorising Aboriginal people.

Summary of Monash University's guidelines:{{cite web|website=Monash University|url=https://www.monash.edu/about/editorialstyle/writing/inclusive-language|title=Inclusive language|access-date=11 December 2019}}

• Refer to an Aboriginal person by their language or cultural group if you know it, i.e. use "a Wurundjeri elder" rather than "an Aboriginal woman" (but do not assume that all older Indigenous people are "elders").
• "To refer to the entire Indigenous community, or if you don't know someone's clan, use terms like 'Aboriginal Australians', 'Indigenous Australians', 'Aboriginal people', or 'First Australians'. Use 'Aboriginal' or 'Indigenous' as adjectives."
• Terms like Koori and Nyoongar refer to a group of specific Indigenous Australians who identify with a specific area and language, and if this terminology is used, respect this distinction.
• "Some Aboriginal people refer to themselves as 'blacks' or 'Aborigines', but others consider these terms offensive. If you are not an Indigenous Australian, avoid them."

List:{{cite web|url=https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/GL2019_008.pdf|publisher=New South Wales Government. Health|title=Communicating Positively: A Guide to Appropriate Aboriginal Terminology|date=1 July 2019|author=NSW Government. Centre for Aboriginal Health|isbn=978-1-76081-184-6|access-date=15 December 2019}}

• An "Aboriginal person" is a person who: is of Aboriginal descent; identifies as an Aboriginal person; andis accepted as an Aboriginal person by the community in which they live.
• Avoid using the term "Aborigine(s)" as it has negative connotations with many Aboriginal people.
• Reference to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be spelt out where necessary.
• Be careful not to frame Aboriginal people as being separate from Australian people.
• "Aboriginal people" is a collective name for the original people of Australia and their descendants, and does not emphasise the diversity of languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. By adding an "s" to "people", you are emphasising this diversity. "Aboriginal people" can also be used to refer to more than one Aboriginal person. Both "Aboriginal people" and "Aboriginal peoples" are acceptable depending on the context.
• Within NSW Health, the term "Aboriginal" is generally used in preference to "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander", in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of NSW.
• "First people" or "First Australians" are collective names for the original people of Australia and their descendants, and are used to emphasise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived on this continent prior to European invasion. Both "First people" and "First Australians" are acceptable. Use these terms to emphasise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived on this continent before the European invasion.
• Many Aboriginal people from other areas of Australia reside within NSW and still use their traditional names. Some examples of these terms are: Goori – usually used by Aboriginal people in northern NSW coastal regions; Koori – usually used by Aboriginal people in parts of NSW and Victoria; Murri – usually used by Aboriginal people in north-west NSW and Queensland; Nunga – usually used by Aboriginal people in South Australia; Noongar – usually used by Aboriginal people in south-west Western Australia. Aboriginal people in areas of Central Australia and Northern Territory still identify themselves by their individual tribal groups. Research may be undertaken to seek the correct term if necessary. (Always check with the local Aboriginal community about using this type of terminology. There are many Aboriginal language groups within the above-mentioned areas and the use of such terms can be restrictive.)
• The following terminology is inappropriate or dated, and must be avoided at all times as it is offensive: ATSI, Native, Mixed blood, Half-caste, Quarter-caste, Full-blood, Part-Aboriginal, 25%, 50% Aboriginal.

• According to s51 (25) of the High Court of Australia (1983): "An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (person) and is accepted as such by the community in which he or she lives.
• The term "Aboriginal" is not inclusive of Torres Strait Islander people nor vice versa. Queensland Health’s preference is for "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" to be used when referring collectively to Indigenous Australians.
• Although it is grammatically correct, the term "Aborigine(s)" has negative connotations and should be avoided. "Aboriginal" should be used as an adjective, not as a noun.
• A Torres Strait Islander person is a descendant from one of the Torres Strait Islands located to the north of mainland Queensland. "Torres Strait Islander" should be used as an adjective, not as a noun (i.e. use "Torres Strait Islander people").
• Correct use of "Indigenous" As "indigenous" is not specific, some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel the term diminishes their identity and should be avoided; however, in certain circumstances "Indigenous" with capitalisation is acceptable. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Queenslander (preferable) Indigenous Queenslander (acceptable)

Queensland University of Technology guidelines.{{cite web|url=https://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/477143/qut-guidelines-for-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-terminology.pdf|author=Queensland University of Technology. Indigenous Education and Employment Committee |title=Recommended Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Terminology [Quick Guide]|date=1 April 2015}}{{cite web | title=Library guides: Indigenous studies: Home | website=Library guides at QUT | date=12 December 2014 | url=https://libguides.library.qut.edu.au/c.php?g=428703&p=2923833 | access-date=12 June 2020}}

"Narragunnawali supports all schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions... Narragunnawali is a program of Reconciliation Australia. Reconciliation Australia is an independent, national not-for-profit organisation promoting reconciliation by building stronger relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."{{cite web | title=About | website=Narragunnawali | url=https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/about | access-date=17 July 2020}}

Summary of guidelines:{{cite web | title=Terminology Guide | website=Narragunnawali | url=https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/about/terminology-guide | access-date=17 July 2020}}

• It is usually best practice to use "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" when referring generally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• "Aboriginal" (and less commonly accepted variants, e.g. "Aboriginals" or "Aborigines") alone is not inclusive of the diversity of cultures and identities across Australia, for which reason it should be accompanied by "peoples" in the plural.
• Reference to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be spelt out where the intention is to refer to all First Peoples of Australia.
• Terms such as "First Peoples" or "First Nations" are also acceptable, and encompass the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities.
• Don't abbreviate "Aboriginal" or "Torres Strait Islander", or to use the acronym "ATSI". *Assimilationist terms such as "full-blood," "half-caste" and "quarter-caste" are extremely offensive and should never be used.
• In some parts of the country, the term "Indigenous" can be considered offensive, because it has scientific connotations, used historically to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the "flora/fauna" rather than the human population of Australia, and can be seen as a homogenising label for highly diverse identities. Exceptions in some situations, e.g.:
• If a person prefers and/or has approved the word "Indigenous" to be used;
• If an organisation has appropriately referred to a program or job title (e.g. “Indigenous Programs Unit” or “Indigenous Programs Manager”);
• If the word "Indigenous" has been appropriately embedded into an organisational (Federal Government, State Government and Local Government) policy.
• If referring to non-Indigenous Australians (terms such as "other Australians" or "the wider community" are also acceptable).

• When written, Aboriginal and Indigenous should begin with capital letters, and "Aboriginal" should never be abbreviated. Torres Strait Islander should be used in full and not shortened to "TSI".

• It is only acceptable to use abbreviations in your communications when they form part of a web address or an organisation (e.g. AIATSIS, NAIDOC, www.atsi.org.au).

• When used in Australia, the words Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are capitalised. Do not use "ATSI" or "TSI".

Summary of style:

• Always spell "Torres Strait Islanders" out in full; do not use "TSI", "islanders" or "natives" without good reason.Note: For WP, change to "except when quoting"?
• Always spell out "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders"; do not use the acronym "ATSI"
• Always capitalise "Indigenous" and "Aboriginal" when referring to Indigenous Australians, but not when referring generically to the original inhabitants of other continents.

List:

• Always capitalise the ‘A’ in ‘Aboriginal’
• Do not use ‘Aboriginal’ as a noun – it should only be used as an adjective.
• If using the term ‘indigenous’, always capitalise ‘I’ when referring to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Never abbreviate "Aboriginal" or "Torres Strait Islanders".

• "Aboriginal always be capitalised when referring to Aboriginal Australians, and Torres Strait Islander is always capitalised.
• Do not abbreviate "Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander", or Torres Straight Islander (which should always be followed by "people") in any way (e.g. TSI or Islander).
• The lowercase word "indigenous" is used when referring to people of any region or country; therefore, when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it is highly recommended that it is capitalised.

Additional style guidelines:

• Pluralisation should extend to generalised reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander "histories", "perspectives", etc.

Capitalisation:

• "Aboriginal" and "Torres Strait Islander" should always be capitalised.
• Often appropriate to capitalise terms like:
• Indigenous;
• First Peoples/Nations/Australians;
• Elders;
• Traditional Owners/Custodians;
• Country (when referring to an area of land, sea and sky that is associated with a distinct group of people or First Nations community).
• Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome to Country, and the names of other cultural practices.
• Avoid deficit and dichotomous language. (See source.)
• Recognise currency and continuity. (See source.)

The following terms related to some Aboriginal Australian and some Torres Strait Islander cultures also need care.

• A "clan" is a local descent group, larger than a family but based on family links through a common ancestry. For example, the Yuin nation in south eastern NSW has several clans within it. The term "clan" has an additional and different meaning that comes from non-Aboriginal societies. For this reason, the term should be used with care, and only with local community guidance.
• The term "community" is generally acceptable to refer to Aboriginal people living within a particular geographical location. However, keep in mind the diversity of Aboriginal people within that "community". If you wish to emphasise the diversity of communities within the one geographical location, use "communities" in the plural form.
• "Country" is a term used to describe an area of land, river and sea that is the traditional land of each Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language group of community. It has a much broader meaning than its meaning in English, incorporating an integral sense of belonging and their place of Dreaming. Use "country" to refer to a particular, culturally defined area of land, such as "Wiradjuri country" or "Dunghutti country".
• "Culture" is defined as "accepted and traditionally patterned ways of behaving". It is a "common understanding shared by the members of a group or community. It includes land, beliefs and spirituality, language, ways of living and working, artistic expression, relationships and identity". Traditionally, and until today, Aboriginal cultures were and are many and varied. There is no one homogenous Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal cultures have evolved over time, and modern Aboriginal cultures are different from traditional Aboriginal cultures.
• "Elder": The traditional meaning of an Aboriginal Elder is someone who has gained recognition within their community as a custodian of knowledge and lore, and who has permission to disclose cultural knowledge and beliefs. Age alone does not necessarily mean that one is a recognised Elder.
• "Mob" is generally used by Aboriginal people and between Aboriginal people. Therefore, it may not be appropriate for non-Aboriginal people to use this term.
• "Nation" refers to a culturally distinct group of people associated with a particular, culturally defined area of land or country. Each nation has boundaries that cannot be changed, and language is tied to that nation and its country. e.g. The Gumbayngirr nation is located around the Nambucca Heads area.
• A "traditional owner/custodian(s)" is an Aboriginal person or group of Aboriginal people directly descended from the original Aboriginal inhabitants of a culturally defined area of land or country, and has a cultural association with this country that derives from the traditions, observances, customs, beliefs or history of the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the area. e.g. In 1998, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service handed back Mutawintji National Park to its traditional owners.
• "Tribe" and kinship. Like "nation", a "tribe" refers to a culturally distinct group of people associated with a particular, culturally defined area of land or country. Be aware that "tribe" has a specific meaning derived from non-Aboriginal societies, and therefore may not necessarily be applicable to Aboriginal culture. Some Aboriginal people use the term and such usage should be respected. If unsure ask the local community for guidance.
• Other terms are discussed: assimilation; invasion / colonisation; Native Title; mission; Protection Policy; self-determination; Stolen Generations; Women"s Business/ Men"s Business.
• Loaded words: "discovered", "settled", Aboriginal people were "nomadic/nomads".

The site also refers to certain "toxic labels".

It also makes suggestions about a variety of other terms, such as:

• Dreaming rather than "Dreamtime"
• Family groups instead of "clan"
• Language groups, not "clans"
• Traditional over "tribal".

It has a separate page dedicated to detailed guidance on various terminology.{{cite web|url=https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/media/appropriate-terminology-for-aboriginal-topics#toc0|website=Creative Spirits|title=Appropriate words & terminology for Aboriginal topics}}

• {{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/LibraryDocuments/partnering-with-ips.pdf|author=United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues|title=Partnering with Indigenous Peoples: Experiences and Practices|others=Estimated date c.2012|quote=Self-identification is a fundamental criterion as enshrined in ILO Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, 1989 and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (article 33).}}

The first paragraph of Indigenous peoples in Canada (referenced here as the country most like the Australian experience) {{as of|lc=yes|17 July 2020}} says:

Indigenous peoples of Canada{{Cite journal|last=Todorova|first=Miglena|date=2016|title=Co-Created Learning: Decolonizing Journalism Education in Canada|url=|journal=Canadian Journal of Communication|volume=41|pages=673–92|via=}} (also known as Aboriginal Canadians, Native Canadians, or First Peoples){{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=CquTz6ps5YgC&lpg=PA213&dq=Yupik%20of%20Alaska%20and%20Siberia%20do%20not%20consider%20themselves%20Inuit&pg=PA213#v=onepage&q&f=true |title = An Ethnohistorical dictionary of the Russian and Soviet empires |first1=James Stuart |last1=Olson |first2=Nicholas Charles |last2=Pappas |publisher=Connecticut Greenwood Press |year=1994 |isbn = 978-0-313-27497-8 }} are the Indigenous peoples{{#tag:ref|Indigenous has been capitalized in keeping with the style guide of the Government of Canada.{{cite web|title=14.12 Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Stereotyping, Identification of Groups|url=https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tcdnstyl-srch?lang=eng&srchtxt=indigenous&cur=2&nmbr=2&lettr=14&info0=14.12#zz14|website=Translation Bureau|publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada|accessdate=2 July 2020|language=en|year=2017}} The capitalization also aligns with the style used within the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In the Canadian context, Indigenous is capitalized when discussing peoples, beliefs or communities in the same way European or Canadian is used to refer to non-Indigenous topics or people.{{cite web|last1=McKay |first1=Celeste |title=Briefing Note on Terminology |url=http://umanitoba.ca/student/indigenous/terminology.html |publisher=University of Manitoba |accessdate=2 July 2020 |date=April 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025224808/http://umanitoba.ca/student/indigenous/terminology.html |archivedate=October 25, 2016 }}|group=Note}} within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations,{{cite web

| title = Civilization.ca-Gateway to Aboriginal Heritage-Culture | work = Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation | publisher = Government of Canada | date = May 12, 2006 | url = http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/tresors/ethno/etb0170e.shtml

| accessdate =September 18, 2009 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20091020033621/http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/tresors/ethno/etb0170e.shtml| archivedate= October 20, 2009 | url-status=live}} Inuit{{cite web

| title = Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada)-ICC Charter | work = Inuit Circumpolar Council > ICC Charter and By-laws > ICC Charter | year = 2007 | url = http://inuitcircumpolar.com/index.php?auto_slide=&ID=374&Lang=En&Parent_ID=¤t_slide_num= | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928132218/http://inuitcircumpolar.com/index.php?auto_slide=&ID=374&Lang=En&Parent_ID=¤t_slide_num= | url-status=dead | archive-date = September 28, 2007 | accessdate =September 18, 2009 }} and Métis.{{sfn|Todd|Thornton|Collins|2001|p=10}} Although "Indian" is a term still commonly used in legal documents, the descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have somewhat fallen into disuse in Canada, and some consider them to be pejorative.{{cite web|title=Words First An Evolving Terminology Relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada |url=http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/wf/trmrslt_e.asp?term=12 |archive-url=http://webarchive.bac-lac.gc.ca:8080/wayback/20071114225541/http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/pub/wf/trmrslt_e.asp?term=12 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 14, 2007 |publisher=Communications Branch of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada |year=2004 |accessdate=June 26, 2010}} "Aboriginal" as a collective noun is a specific term of art used in some legal documents, including the Constitution Act, 1982, though in some circles that word is also falling into disfavour.{{cite web|title=Native American, First Nations or Aboriginal? {{!}} Druide|url=https://www.druide.com/en/reports/native-american-first-nations-or-aboriginal|website=www.druide.com|accessdate=May 19, 2017}}

Indigenous peoples of the Americas has links to other articles from various regions and countries, variously Native Americans in the United States, Alaska Natives, Indigenous peoples of Mexico, etc. – but these do not necessarily have a bearing on the Australian situation.

This section is intended to cover notes relating to how librarians in Australia have classified and/or referred to the topic, by means of controlled vocabularies of various types, including authority control records.

• SCIS (Schools Catalogue Information Service) "was created to provide schools with access to a database of consistent catalogue records created according to agreed national standards", and it "maintain[s] SCIS Subject Headings, a controlled list of subject headings particularly appropriate to the needs of schools, and SCIS Authority Files, a downloadable file of all approved SCIS Subject and Name Headings, which can be imported directly into schools’ library management systems".{{cite web | title=What is SCIS? – SCIS | website=SCIS – News, updates and issues in school libraries | date=30 December 2018 | url=https://scis.edublogs.org/about/ | access-date=17 July 2020}} As a service primarily for Australian and New Zealand schools, some of its cataloguing standards are unique, in that they recognise the Māori and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in their database. The SCIS subject headings use the terms Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples, as well as the names and languages of every major grouping of Australian Aboriginal peoples.{{cite web | title=Acknowledging Indigenous communities and culture in SCIS Data| website=SCIS | date=1 June 2020|first=Renate|last= Beilharz | url=https://scis.edublogs.org/tag/subject-headings/ | access-date=17 July 2020}}
• The Melbourne University library catalogue uses the subject heading Aboriginal Australians and a number of related or narrower terms;{{cite web | title=Aboriginal Australians [subject heading search] | website=University of Melbourne. University Library Catalogue | url=http://cat.lib.unimelb.edu.au/search~S30?/dAboriginal+Australians/daboriginal+australians/1,3352,12729,B/aexact&FF=daboriginal+australians&1,91 | access-date=17 July 2020}} Torres Strait Islanders and related search terms;{{cite web | title=Torres Strait Islander [subject heading search] | website=University of Melbourne. University Library Catalogue | url=http://cat.lib.unimelb.edu.au/search~S30/?searchtype=d&searcharg=torres+strait+islander&searchscope=30&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=dIndigenous+Australians | access-date=17 July 2020}} but not Indigenous Australians. In relation to the latter, it does include terms such as Indigenous children -- Australia,{{cite web | title=Indigenous Australians [subject heading search] | website=University of Melbourne. University Library Catalogue | url=http://cat.lib.unimelb.edu.au/search~S30/?searchtype=d&searcharg=Indigenous+Australians&searchscope=30&sortdropdown=-&SORT=D&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=dAboriginal+Australians | access-date=17 July 2020}} and Indigenous peoples -- Australia.{{cite web | title=Indigenous peoples -- Australia [list of items under this subject heading] | website=University of Melbourne. University Library Catalogue | url=http://cat.lib.unimelb.edu.au/search~S30?/dIndigenous+Australians/dindigenous+australians/97%2C0%2C0%2CB/exact&FF=dindigenous+peoples+australia&1%2C34%2C | access-date=17 July 2020}}
• Libraries Australia uses Aboriginal Australian and Aboriginal Australians as preferred headings for topics relating to Aboriginal peoples of Australia (or more specific terms, where applicable).{{cite web | title=Australian extension to LCSH | website=Libraries Australia | url=https://www.nla.gov.au/librariesaustralia/australian-extension-lcsh | access-date=17 July 2020}}
• AIATSIS Subject guide to Ethical Protocols for Working with Indigenous Australians - a library resource to help search their collections.{{cite web | title=Subject guide - Ethical Protocols for Working with Indigenous Australians | website=Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies | date=1 January 2015 | url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/publication/35118 | access-date=17 July 2020}}

• The Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia, 2nd edition (2019), is a collaborative publication between the Australian National University (ANU), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Macquarie Dictionary, and was Longlisted for the ABIA Illustrated Book Of The Year 2020. Senator and elder Patrick Dodson praised it highly.{{Citation | last1=Arthur|first1=William Stewart | last2=Morphey|first2=Francis | last3=Dodson|first3=Patrick L. | title=Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia | publication-date=2019 | publisher=Macquarie | edition=Second | isbn=978-1-76078-694-6|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/25957263}}. [http://cat.lib.unimelb.edu.au/search~S30?/dIndigenous+Australians/dindigenous+australians/97,0,0,B/frameset&FF=dindigenous+peoples+australia&17,,34?save=b7336790 Melbourne Uni cat entry]

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• {{cite web |title=Indigenous Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people |url=https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australians-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people |website=Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies|date=3 June 2015}}
• {{cite web|url=https://about.abc.net.au/abc-editorial/the-abc-style-guide/#A|website=ABC|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|title=The ABC Style Guide: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander references|series=About the ABC}}
• {{cite web|url=https://edpols.abc.net.au/guidance/abc-indigenous-content/|website=ABC|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|title= Editorial Guidance Note: ABC Indigenous Content|series=ABC Editorial Policies|date=8 October 2015}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.monash.edu/about/editorialstyle/writing/inclusive-language|website=Monash University|title=Inclusive language}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/GL2019_008.pdf|publisher=New South Wales Government. Health|title=Communicating Positively: A Guide to Appropriate Aboriginal Terminology|date=1 July 2019|author=NSW Government. Centre for Aboriginal Health}}
• {{cite book|url=https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/147919/terminology.pdf|title=Protocols for use of ‘Aboriginal’ and ‘Torres Strait Islander’|series=Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culpability|publisher=Queensland Health}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/how-to-name-aboriginal-people|website=Creative Spirits|title=How to name Aboriginal people?}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.actcoss.org.au/sites/default/files/public/publications/gulanga-good-practice-guide-preferences-terminology-referring-to-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-peoples.pdf|publisher= ACT Council of Social Service Inc.|series=Gulanga Good Practice Guides|title=Preferences in terminology when referring to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples|date=December 2016}}
• {{cite web | title=Terminology Guide | website=Narragunnawali | url=https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/about/terminology-guide }}

Some brief notes from other sources:

• {{cite web|url=https://www.sahmri.org/m/downloads/1.1_ATSI_Protocols_Document_020318_Web_bUXC0Pj.pdf|title=

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols Document|publisher= South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)|author=SAHMRI Indigenous Collective|date=28 February 2018|edition=1.1}} (p.4: "The SAHMRI Indigenous Collective have developed these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols to guide and support SAHMRI in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities nationally.) – Useful general guidance, with particular reference to terminology pp.17–18. "When writing: in documents relating to the South Australian population, the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia recommend, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and hereafter Aboriginal people’. For populations across Australia, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’. For global populations (including or excluding Australia), ‘Indigenous people’ is appropriate to use." (Not always rigidly applied.)

• [https://www.naccho.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Membership-list-Coalition-of-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Peak-Organisations-2.9.pdf Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations] – A list of organisations, using names variously using "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander", "First Nations", "First Peoples", "Aboriginal", or a specific group. Two use "Indigenous".
• {{cite web | title=1200.0.55.008 | website=Indigenous Status Standard , 2014, Version 1.5 | date=8 October 2014 | url=https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/1200.0.55.008main+features32014,%20Version%201.5}} "The standard term for this variable is 'Indigenous Status', [which] is an acceptable term for use in data collection only, and only in terms of identifying a characteristic of a person. A person's Indigenous status is determined by their response to the ABS Standard Indigenous Question: "Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?" for which categories are: No; Yes, Aboriginal; or Yes, Torres Strait Islander. This question also allows respondents to report that they are both 'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander' if that is how they identify... The term 'Indigenous' is not a specific descriptor. Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel the term diminishes their identity and/or fails to recognise the cultural diversity that exists within the collective population. Use of ‘Indigenous’ should therefore be avoided."
• {{cite web | title=Australian Aboriginal peoples - History, Facts, & Culture | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=19 January 2012 | url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Australian-Aboriginal}} – Encyclopaedia Britannica, in particular the link at the end of the first section: "(For a discussion of the names given to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, see Researcher’s Note: Britannica usage standards: Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.)"
• {{cite web|url=https://indigenousx.com.au/why-we-will-never-find-the-most-appropriate-term-to-refer-to-all-indigenous-australians/|website=IndigenousX|title=Why We Will Never Find The ‘Most Appropriate’ Term To Refer To All Indigenous Australians|first=Luke|last=Pearson|date=10 November 2015}} General discussion for interest – "'Indigenous"'... emerge[d] seemingly out of nowhere in the 90s there was and is some notable opposition to this term. The earlier arguments about being an introduced term still apply, and many believe that it was introduced by government without consultation and oppose it even more for that reason. Others like it as it includes Torres Strait Islander peoples as well, and helped get government departments to stop using ATSI....; there are fors and againsts for all terms, and there is no consensus on the ‘one’ term that we can all agree on, and there probably never will be".
• {{cite web | title=First Australians - Sections | website=Reconciliation Australia | url=http://www.shareourpride.org.au/sections/first-australians/ }} General website, mostly referring to "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples".

• {{cite web|title=Aboriginal rugby coach Jarred Hodges boycotted the term 'Indigenous'. Here's why|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-15/aboriginal-jarred-hodges-wants-to-boycott-the-term-indigenous/11787716|first=Patrick |last=Galloway |date=15 Dec 2019}} - Rugby coach Jarred Hodges advocates the term "First Nations" because it recognises Aboriginal people as the sovereign people of our land, while "Indigenous" is really linked to the White Australia policy

• "Amnesty International Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities" - on a GoFundMe page I can't link to because blacklisted - Jan 2020
• {{cite web | title=Digby Moran, internationally acclaimed First Nations artist, dies | website=ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) | date=14 January 2020 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-14/first-nations-artist-digby-moran-dies/11867144 }} - Referred to first as a First Nations artist, the describes him as a Bundjalung man

• Anecdotally, there seems to have been mention of First Nations peoples more and more recently. (e.g. {{cite web | last=Sebbens | first=Shari | title=The golden age of Indigenous television is here – and it's changed Australia forever | website=the Guardian | date=1 February 2020 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/feb/01/the-golden-age-of-indigenous-television-is-here-and-its-changed-australia-forever | access-date=2 February 2020}})