When collaborating internationally, choice of words conveys how deeply the speaker or writer understands the history and culture of the partner country.

During the Sydney team’s research, we learned that the term “First Nations people” is used to refer to the indigenous people of Australia. “First Nations” doesn’t simply mean “the people who lived here first;” rather, it refers to their subjective identity as the first and still present peoples of this land. It’s used as a more respectful and inclusive term that recognizes and respects the existence of multiple “nations” (nations and ethnic groups).

Torres Strait Islander peoples—who were once conflated with Aboriginal peoples—are now recognized as a separate group with a distinct cultural and historical background. When collectively referring to both groups, it’s considered appropriate to use the phrase “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”