Indigenous or First Nations.
This is an interesting conversation that I’ve been having more and more over the past few years so I thought I’d share some insight.
For me PERSONALLY (highlight, underline, bold) I prefer Indigenous. Up until about 5 years ago, I’d never heard the term ‘First Nations’.
Currently the term ‘First Nations’ is mostly used in government and corporate organisations. However for me, growing up I had only ever heard Indigenous, so naturally I gravitate towards that.
Both are umbrella terms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so my actual preference for myself is ‘Aboriginal’. Eg. Aboriginal Artist.
However, if I’m speaking to or about a group of people, I would say Indigenous, unless told otherwise.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People also only uses the term ‘Indigenous’.
I know some people have a different preference, however this is my platform and I want to help educate people.
If you’re unsure on what terminology to use, my advice would be to ask whoever it is you’re referring to. If you’re in the workplace, as your staff what they would prefer, I am sure they would appreciate being asked - I know I would.
Ps. Both terms have to be capitalised.
This is an interesting conversation that I’ve been having more and more over the past few years so I thought I’d share some insight.
For me PERSONALLY (highlight, underline, bold) I prefer Indigenous. Up until about 5 years ago, I’d never heard the term ‘First Nations’.
Currently the term ‘First Nations’ is mostly used in government and corporate organisations. However for me, growing up I had only ever heard Indigenous, so naturally I gravitate towards that.
Both are umbrella terms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so my actual preference for myself is ‘Aboriginal’. Eg. Aboriginal Artist.
However, if I’m speaking to or about a group of people, I would say Indigenous, unless told otherwise.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People also only uses the term ‘Indigenous’.
I know some people have a different preference, however this is my platform and I want to help educate people.
If you’re unsure on what terminology to use, my advice would be to ask whoever it is you’re referring to. If you’re in the workplace, as your staff what they would prefer, I am sure they would appreciate being asked - I know I would.
Ps. Both terms have to be capitalised.
