Indigenous or Aboriginal

May 3, 2008, 10:58am,  563 views

I find myself agreeing with former ATSIC chairwoman Lowitja O’Donoghue who decries the use of the word “indigenous”. Like me, O’Donoghue prefers “Aboriginal”.

“I really can’t tell you of a time when ‘indigenous’ became current, but I personally have an objection to it, and so do many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.

“This has just really crept up on us … like thieves in the night.”

She says it has become so ingrained in the vernacular that “our people are using it now as well”.

Newspaper style used to be Aboriginal for the adjective and Aborigine for the noun. I can’t recall when indigenous came into common usage, but it’s pervasive.

As an editor I cull it whenever I can. It particularly annoys me to see it capitalised.

Out of respect for Aboriginal culture, I prefer to name the ethnic group where possible, eg Wongatha, Kurnai, etc.

While agreeing with O’Donoghue on this matter, I’m less enthused about plans to introduce “Welcome to Country” ceremonies to school assemblies.

What’s wrong with simply singing the national anthem?

Thoughts on Freedom articulates why it is a silly idea and Andrew Bolt picks up the theme.

It elevates Aborigines above people of other racial backgrounds … reverse racism if you like.

There’s a danger it could marginalise recent immigrants, making them feel inferior for being new arrivals.

Respect Aboriginal culture and teach it as part of Australian studies, but don’t brainwash children into adopting an artificial ritual.