FIRST NATIONS VOCABULARY AND TERMINOLOGY

Language is very important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, so we wanted to share some great appropriate terminologies that we encourage you to learn.

First Nations Peoples or First Nations Persons: meaning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples were the first people of Australia prior to colonisation.

Deadly: means awesome or great.

Elders: Elders are men and women in Indigenous communities who are respected for their wisdom and knowledge of culture. The word ‘Elders’ should be written with a capital letter as a mark of respect.

Acknowledgement of Country: an Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for the custodians of the lands and sea and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country.

Welcome to Country: a Welcome to Country can only be delivered by an Elder, Traditional Owner or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person who has been given permission from Traditional Owners of the land to welcome visitors to their country.

Yarning: is about building respectful relationships and is an important process within Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander culture. A yarning circle is a harmonious, creative and collaborative way of communicating.

Mob: The term Mob is used by Indigenous Peoples and refers to the group of people associated with or belonging to a group. For example, ‘that is my mob’ or ‘my mob comes from…’

These are all excellent terminologies for us all to become more familiar with.

DEADLY STORES

QLD:

Mt Gravatt

Rockhampton

Browns Plains

Ipswich

NSW:

Eastgardens

Druitt

Blacktown

Broadwayh

Shellharbour

Belconnen

VIC/TAS:

Albury

Wodonga

Shepparton

Mildura

Launceston

WA/NT/SA:

Alice Springs

Armadale

Bunbury

Carousel

Centrepoint

Elizabeth

Fremantle

Mandurah

Midland

Palmerstont