Image: Fire Spirit by Scott Sentance. All rights reserved.

University of Sydney Library
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Cultural Protocols

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 1 of 35

The University of Sydney Library: Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Cultural Protocols
1 February 2021
ISBN: 978-1-74210-487-4© The University of Sydney Library 2021.
Some rights reserved. Except as indicated below, this work is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
(creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
Under the terms of this licence, you may copy, redistribute and adapt the work for noncommercial purposes, provided the work is appropriately attributed. You must give
appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. In any
use of this work, there should be no suggestion that the University of Sydney Library endorses
any specific organisation, product or service. Reuse of the University of Sydney logo and theartwork “Fire Spirit” by Scott Sentance is not permitted.
DOI: doi.org/10.25910/hrdq-9n85

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 2 of 35

Contents

Purpose statement ......................................................................................................... 5
Scope ............................................................................................................................. 5
Principles ....................................................................................................................... 6
Self determination ......................................................................................................... 6
Responsibility................................................................................................................ 6
Reciprocity ..................................................................................................................... 6
Truth telling ................................................................................................................... 7
Protocols........................................................................................................................ 8
1. Attribution ................................................................................................................. 8
1.1 Acknowledging cultural custodianship................................................................................ 8
1.2 Promoting citation guides that cite First Nations knowledges ...................................... 8
2. Interpretation and representation ............................................................................ 10
2.1 Context........................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Terminology ..............................................................................................................................11
2.3 Right of reply ............................................................................................................................11
2.4 Exhibitions .................................................................................................................................11
2.5 Collection development and publishing – balancing perspectives ............................12
3. Access ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Balancing access and ethical reuse – the CARE and FAIR Principles ........................13
3.2 Collection survey .....................................................................................................................14
3.3 Identifying potentially sensitive First Nations cultural material .................................14
3.4 Access to material....................................................................................................................15
3.5 Restricted access ......................................................................................................................15
3.6 Takedown requests .................................................................................................................16
3.7 Conscious collecting, disposal and preservation ............................................................16
3.8 Classification and description ..............................................................................................17
3.9 Copying works .........................................................................................................................17
3.10 Handling materials containing sensitive information .................................................18
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 3 of 35

3.11 Care and sensitivity notices – Systems ...........................................................................19
4. Engagement ............................................................................................................ 20
4.1 Inviting First Nations voices .................................................................................................20
4.2 Contradictory advice ...............................................................................................................21
4.3 Staffing – Indigenous Engagement Officer .......................................................................22
4.4 Staffing – cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff ..................22
4.5 Spaces .........................................................................................................................................23
4.6 Promoting ethical research ....................................................................................................24
4.7 Staff engagement in cultural competence training .........................................................24
4.8 Acknowledgement of Country .............................................................................................24
5. Benefit sharing ........................................................................................................ 26
5.1 Respecting and valuing First Nations input – financial compensation and terms .26
5.2 Increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library staff .....................................26
6.0 Reference group .................................................................................................... 27
Appendix I: Terminology guide .................................................................................. 28
Preferred terms .................................................................................................................................28
Non-preferred terms .......................................................................................................................29
Terminology to consider................................................................................................................30
Additional terms ..............................................................................................................................32
References ................................................................................................................... 34

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 4 of 35

Purpose statement
The University of Sydney Library is committed to embedding culturally competent practice inwhat we do. We will work to ensure that all staff, students and community members with whom
we interact feel safe, respected and valued. As a site of knowledge production and custodianof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, and the knowledges of other First
Nations peoples, we are mindful of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) andencourage ethical use of the First Nations cultural knowledge and culturally appropriate
research practices. As part of this commitment, the University of Sydney Library Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols aim to guide Library staff in promoting culturally
safe practices across services, spaces and resources.

Scope
The University of Sydney Library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols areintended as a set of principles and guidelines to enhance and embed culturally competent
practice within an Australian academic library context. The protocols are aspirational innature. The authors recognise that the implementation of the protocols will be an ongoingprocess, and that this document will be revised over time in response to changing community
perceptions and feedback.
In alignment with Article 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (2007), the Library recognises that:Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural
heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the
manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic
resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral
traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts.
They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property
over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
The intended scope of these protocols is the protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander“cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions” (as described in
the above Declaration), and the promotion of culturally competent practice and cultural safety
within the University of Sydney Library.
The location and context of the University of Sydney gives the Library a unique opportunity tofocus on developing competent practice in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultural heritage and people, and that is the focus of these protocols. The Library’s vast
collection also includes cultural content from other First Nations communities, primarily fromother nations of the South Pacific. It is therefore intended that principles and recommended
practices contained in these protocols could, where appropriate, be extended to other First
Nations contexts.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 5 of 35

Given the focus of these protocols, where the term First Nations is used within this text, it isgenerally intended as an alternative collective term for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples.

Principles
Self determination
The University of Sydney Library respects the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
and other Indigenous peoples to determine use and access provisions for materials whichreflect their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
The University of Sydney Library recognises the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples to access, maintain, control and benefit from their cultural knowledge – also known as
Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP).

Responsibility
The University of Sydney Library has a responsibility to care for, preserve and share theAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledges within its collection in a manner thatis secure, trusted, respectful and in accordance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community wishes.
The University of Sydney Library has a responsibility to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples about the collections it holds that relate to them, their culture, language andheritage.
The University of Sydney Library has a responsibility to maintain the moral rights of theoriginal researcher or creator as per the intent of the Australian Copyright Act 1968,
specifically:• The right of attribution of authorship• The right not to have their authorship falsely attributed• The right to have the integrity of their work respected and not subjected to derogatory
treatment.

Reciprocity
The University of Sydney Library strives to ensure ongoing and timely access to materials
containing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledges for the Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander communities from which the knowledges originate.
The University of Sydney Library works to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
projects and research it engages in are mutually beneficial to the relevant Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander communities and the University of Sydney.
The University of Sydney Library encourages and promotes the use of its collection to stimulate
new research ventures and insights that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 6 of 35

communities, as well as facilitating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community members to reinterpret their cultural heritage within the collection.

Truth telling
The University of Sydney Library encourages the use of its collection to tell the truth ofAustralian history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences.
The University of Sydney Library advocates for greater understanding of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander history, culture and experiences among its staff and clients.
The University of Sydney Library recognises and acknowledges that its buildings, collections
and operations exist and take place on unceded Aboriginal lands. It respects the ongoingconnection Aboriginal people have to these lands, and their legacy and history before theUniversity of Sydney was established.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 7 of 35

Protocols
1. Attribution
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people as the custodians of their cultural heritage and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual
Property (ICIP). This includes but is not limited to ecological knowledge, language,
sustainable relationship information, oral stories, cultural songs, cultural dances,genealogical information, and histories of places of cultural significance. This
custodianship is acknowledged even when it contradicts Western frameworks ofcopyright. As part of this acknowledgement, the University of Sydney will work to fulfil
the below protocols.
1.1 Acknowledging cultural custodianship
The University of Sydney Library will work to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander custodianship is acknowledged for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultural heritage materials entering its collections. This includes encouraging researchersand publishers to attribute authorship to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderknowledge holder and/or community that has assisted in the creation of new material.
The University of Sydney Library will not knowingly add any newly authored material
to the collection that contains Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional cultural
knowledges that has been authored by people outside that First Nations communityand for which free, prior and informed consent was not given by the relevant First
Nations community. Acquiring such material may violate ICIP.
The University of Sydney Library will also work to ensure that where legacy material in
the collection contains Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledges, that
wherever possible, the relevant First Nations community is identified and attributed asowner. This should be done by adding a note in the 500 MARC field in the catalogue
such as the following example: “The knowledge contained in this book originated fromthe Wiradjuri people. This knowledge is their cultural and intellectual property.”
1.2 Promoting citation guides that cite First Nations knowledges
The University of Sydney Library will create and promote referencing and citation
guides that acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodianship andattribute Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the source of their cultural
knowledge. The creation of the guides should be done in collaboration with First
Nations academics, and these recommendations for how these principles might workwithin widely accepted referencing styles could be submitted to the bodies such as theAmerican Psychological Association for possible inclusion in their referencing styleguides.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 8 of 35

Suggested principles for the citation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturalcontent within the APA referencing style (American Psychological Association, 2020)are presented in the University of Sydney Library’s Examples of First Nations
Referencing in APA document (2021).
Where appropriate, the Library will also promote First Nations referencing guides
available from external institutions.
The promotion of either newly created referencing styles that acknowledge ICIP, or
adaptations of existing referencing styles should be embedded in the Library’s
referencing workshops and courses, and citation guidance provided to clients on the
Library website.
As a matter of practice, Library staff should include examples First Nations culturalcontent in presentations about referencing and citation and in external communications(such as collection highlights on the Library website, Rare Books & Special Collections
talks or suggested citations for items).

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 9 of 35

2. Interpretation and representation
The University of Sydney Library recognises that Western academia has contributed toa representation of First Nations people, history and culture often without the free,prior consent of First Nations people themselves, and has excluded First Nations
peoples and knowledges from crucial scholarly and historic discourse. This has led to alargely distorted, Eurocentric representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, history and culture. To address this, and to enrich the information provided toclients, the University of Sydney Library will actively seek to include and promote
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in its collection. It will also provide
spaces and privilege activities that encourage self-representation by Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people.
2.1 Context
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that the early accounts and studies ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience and culture held in its
collection are fragmentary, often superficial and largely from the Eurocentric
perspective of the outsider and occupier rather than the First Nations peoples
themselves. These accounts and studies therefore contain inaccuracies and distorted,
outdated views regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
The Library will strive to provide clients with opportunities to learn about and recognise
this context, to raise their critical awareness and to minimise the potential for
unintentional reproduction of problematic and harmful ideas.
The Library will create a notice that is displayed to the user of its online systems andservices either on screen, in metadata or in document footers. This notice could read:
Material in the collection regarding First Nations peoples and cultures has
historically been created and recorded by non-Indigenous people and may nothave had the input of First Nations peoples themselves. As a result, this material
may contain inaccuracies and misinterpretations, or words and descriptions which
could be considered insensitive, outdated and/or offensive in today's context.
It is also recommended that contextual information is incorporated into resources the
University of Sydney Library provides to students. This could include materials
provided in physical and online workshops relating to research and information
literacy. These resources could be developed to help students question power dynamics
in materials written about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, history andculture and to recognise the perspectives of the author and subject.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 10 of 35

2.2 Terminology
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that discrimination and prejudice areexpressed through language, and that attitudes and cultural values are evident in theway we choose words and structure our communications. Hence, the University ofSydney Library will work to ensure the language used in its internal and external
communications is inclusive and appropriate. A ‘Terminology guide’ is provided as anappendix to this document.
2.3 Right of reply
To challenge historical misrepresentations and to centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander voices in discussions around their culture and history, the University of Sydney
Library will investigate and create options for First Nations community members to
respond to collection material through written, oral or visual mediums, and to provide
commentary, corrections, counterpoints and reinterpretations of the material’s content.
The Library recommends that First Nations replies are linked digitally to the material
that is being reinterpreted or replied to through metadata.
2.4 Exhibitions
As sites with high visitation, and being a repository for cultural content, Library spaces
can serve as an entry point for many non-Indigenous people to engage with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. There are therefore opportunities for the
Library to become a space for truth telling regarding the history of ongoingcolonisation and the brutality that accompanies it.
The Library will aim to host an annual book display/exhibition that highlights
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. These could be curated by aFirst Nations University of Sydney student, academic or a guest curator, or could be acollaboration between the Library and relevant First Nations community members,
and/or the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Indigenous Strategy and Services(DVCISS) and Chau Chak Wing Museum staff.
In addition to temporary exhibitions and book displays, the Library will support semipermanent displays within its spaces that acknowledge the Aboriginal Country they
are on, and that highlight, celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander culture, knowledges, communities, achievements, and political and social
history. These semi-permanent displays should also be viewable on the Library’s
website and be preserved in the Library’s digital archives.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 11 of 35

2.5 Collection development and publishing – balancing perspectives
The Library’s collection contains important information regarding Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, history, and culture. However, like many historical collections,this information is predominantly from the perspective of non-Indigenous settlers. To
expand the representation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples within its
collections, and to provide a greater diversity of perspectives to our clients, the Librarywill seek to increase acquisition of material authored by Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander people and communities. This should be done in collaboration with DVICSS
and First Nations academics.
The Library should actively avoid accessioning new material if it is known that it
contains Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural information that should remain
secret. Acquisitions should also be carefully considered where the material contains
private information about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people (individual
identities, medical histories, etc.) or discusses Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
cultural heritage or traditional knowledge without sufficient collaboration with therelevant communities, as the material could contain ICIP.
If possible, before acquiring or publishing any new material containing Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander cultural information, the publisher or author should be asked:• Whether they have free, prior, and informed consent from the relevant First
Nations community to publish this information. Any affirmative response should
be supported with written proof.
• How the relevant First Nations community benefits from this material andwhether it is a benefit they have asked for (economic benefits, royalty sharing,
having the information preserved, getting the information to wider audience,etc.).
• Whether the relevant First Nations communities has been appropriately
attributed, and whether shared authorship has been considered.
It may not be possible to investigate all material entering the collection. It may become
known later that newly acquired material contains First Nations secret or sacredcultural information, or traditional knowledge that has been unethically recorded orthat infringes on Indigenous intellectual and cultural property. In that scenario, theLibrary will inform the publisher and may restrict access to the material. Any restriction
should be documented.
If Library staff are uncertain about accessioning or publishing material containing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information, the Reference Group will be
consulted (Protocol 6.0).

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 12 of 35

3. Access
The University of Sydney Library strongly supports The United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) and will work to fulfil article 13 of the
Declaration:
Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future
generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems
and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities,
places and persons.
The Library will facilitate this by ensuring the First Nations cultural heritage in its
collection is more accessible and discoverable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community members, now and in the long term. The University Library will also work to
fulfil article 31 of the Declaration:
Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop theircultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as wellas the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including humanand genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna andflora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visualand performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect anddevelop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional
knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
Where possible, the Library will collaborate with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
communities, to negotiate who can access collection materials that contain ICIP andspecify the purpose of that access. In its management of the collection, the Library will
also seek to minimise harm to First Nations peoples and maximise collective benefit.
3.1 Balancing access and ethical reuse – the CARE and FAIR Principles
The Library supports the CARE principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Global
Indigenous Data Alliance, 2019). The CARE principles were developed in response to
the FAIR principles (Wilkinson, M., Dumontier, M., Aalbersberg, I. et al., 2016)
associated with the open data movement, in recognition that the principles offindability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability do not necessarily engage
with the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.
The CARE principles complement the FAIR principles by mitigating the tensions between
greater sharing and the concept of Indigenous data sovereignty, articulating the
concurrent need for:• Collective benefit for Indigenous peoples in the use of their data
• Authority of Indigenous peoples to control their data
• Responsibility to exercise care in how Indigenous data is used; and• Ethical use of Indigenous data, which is fundamental to minimising harm andensuring the rights and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 13 of 35

3.2 Collection survey
The Library will undertake a survey of its collections to identify materials containing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage. This will assist the Library tobetter serve First Nations communities and will provide a basis for consultation around
access provisions relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage
material.
This survey should be done in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
staff. All material containing traditional cultural information and ICIP should be
documented, and notes made on the catalogue record, with a special emphasis on
material containing:• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages• Multiple images of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people• Descriptions of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural practices• Multiple images of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural objects• Images or descriptions of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ceremonies orgendered cultural information (men’s business, women’s business)• Multiple images or descriptions of sites of cultural importance• Images or descriptions of deceased bodies of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
people or images or descriptions of their human remains• Detailed depictions of colonial violence toward Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
people.
The collection survey may be a multi-year process. Firstly, a survey will be undertakenof the catalogued legacy theses held in Rare Books & Special Collections. Adjacent tothis initial survey, those staff undertaking cataloguing of works in Rare Books andSpecial Collections should also flag any material that contains Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander cultural information.
3.3 Identifying potentially sensitive First Nations cultural material
Library staff may incidentally encounter previously unidentified sensitive Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander cultural information when interacting with the collection during
their day-to-day duties. The Library will promote awareness among its staff about thetype of cultural content they should seek to identify, including:• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages• Multiple images of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people• Descriptions of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural practices• Multiple images of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural objects• Images or descriptions of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ceremonies
or gendered cultural information (men’s business, women’s business)• Multiple images or descriptions of sites of cultural importance

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 14 of 35

••Images or descriptions of deceased bodies of Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander people or images or descriptions of their human remains
Detailed depictions of colonial violence toward Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander people.

In instances where Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural content is identified
within the collection, the material should be redescribed using the AIATSIS Subject
Thesaurus in accordance with Protocol 3.8 ‘Classification and description’.
3.4 Access to material
To facilitate access to information for all clients and to foster Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander cultural revitalisation and the use, development and transmission ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges to future generations, the Library will
promote appropriate access to material containing First Nations cultural information as
detailed in Protocol 3.8 ‘Classification and description’. It is especially important that
the Library encourages access to these materials by Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities. Where possible, material will be digitised to facilitate access by
those not based in Sydney. Digitisation work should emphasise material containing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, songs, pictures of First Nations
community members, and family histories.
3.5 Restricted accessExcluded from Protocol 3.4 ‘Access to material’ is anything that is known to containsecret or sacred cultural information. This extends to images or descriptions of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies or gendered cultural information(men’s business, women’s business), detailed descriptions of scarification practices,
information about traditional childbirth practices and sites, detailed descriptions ofcircumcision practices, or material containing images of deceased bodies of Aboriginalor Torres Strait Islander people (particularly dissection of First Nations bodies postmortem), or any published monograph that has been restricted on the AIATSIS
catalogue. Access to this material should ideally be restricted until it has been
negotiated with the relevant First Nations community.
Restricted access items should be documented internally. Catalogue records for
restricted material will remain openly accessible online unless advised otherwise by therelevant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.
When restricted material is identified, the Library should consult with the relevant First
Nations community to negotiate appropriate conditions of access. The Library
recommends using its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Framework(2021) as a guide.
Negotiation with community will determine who they want to access the material, underwhat conditions, and for what purposes (e.g. for gendered protocols such as women’sbusiness, an image may be accessed physically to be used only for research, but it is

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 15 of 35

not to be duplicated), and if there is a later date or event when the access conditions
should be renegotiated. These access conditions should be documented, including whofrom the First Nations community was part of this process. If the community in question
does not provide any specific timeframe for review, restrictions should ideally berevisited every 10 years.
If it is difficult to determine the community from which the cultural information
originates because of lack of description and vague geographic references, then the
Reference Group should be consulted about what should be done with access to thematerial (see Protocol 6.0).
Clients may be able to access restricted Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural
information if they are a member or descendant of the community from which thecultural information originates. Additionally, non-Indigenous clients may gain access torestricted Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural information if they provide
written permission from an organisation or member of the First Nations community fromwhich the cultural information originates.
Library staff should never question or ask for verification of a person’s Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander identity and their claims to a First Nations clan/tribe/language
group/nation.
3.6 Takedown requests
To fulfil Article 31 of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(2007), the Library will respond promptly to any requests from Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community members to restrict access to material containing their culturaland intellectual property. The Library will:• Temporarily remove material from access (ideally within two business days
after receiving the request), with the material remaining restricted until aformal decision has been made.
• Bring the request to the attention of the Reference Group (see Protocol 6.0)
which should assess the risk of cultural harm, consider the advice contained
within these protocols, seek appropriate guidance as necessary and decide
next steps.
The Library will include an option for a request to remove ICIP in its public-facing
copyright takedown request form.
3.7 Conscious collecting, disposal and preservation
The Library commits to the ongoing acquisition of resources containing Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander perspectives. Because there can be many valuable First Nations
resources published and made available outside mainstream and conventional
academic publishing systems (particularly automated systems), the Library will make aconcerted effort to find and acquire these resources, including looking to individual
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 16 of 35

publishers and other unconventional sources of material. The Library will focus on
acquiring First Nations resources related to Sydney Aboriginal languages, songs,
culture and history.
The Library has a responsibility to care and preserve the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultural heritage in its collection. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
resources already within the collection may be part of a limited production and of highcultural value. Availability and cultural value should be considered before deselecting
and disposing of physical material. It is recommended that this material is transferredto Rare Books & Special Collections.
To ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage in the collection
can be accessed in the long term, it must be maintained and preserved. In order tomeet minimum preservation requirements, multiple backup copies of digital content
should be stored, managed and maintained, using the Library’s and/or University ofSydney’s ICT infrastructure, systems and services.
3.8 Classification and description
To ensure First Nations perspectives are reflected in the cultural heritage collection,and to improve its accessibility and discoverability, the Library will continue to add
descriptive metadata to items containing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural
materials. Descriptive metadata may include AIATSIS subject thesaurus headings,
Austlang codes, cultural care notices and other contextual notes. The Library will add
Austlang codes and AIATSIS headings to new acquisitions, and where appropriate, andre-catalogue those items that have been recorded with unsuitable subject headings.
The Library will seek to work with relevant communities to ensure that their knowledges
are reflected in the classification and description of these materials. The Library will
also promote appropriate classification and description in discussions with researchers,
HDR students and potential authors who are working with First Nations communities andintending to deposit material into the collection.
3.9 Copying works
Copyright applies to First Nations works in the same way it applies to other works.
However, works by or about First Nations peoples and their knowledges may haveadditional legal and cultural issues, and or may require additional clearances. For
example, works may contain Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP), secret or
sacred information, or information obtained without free and prior consent. In instanceswhere it is necessary to seek cultural clearances from the relevant Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander community, family or individual, the Library will assist clients tounderstand their obligations.
To support clients and to fulfil Article 31 of The United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), the Library will raise awareness of ICIP byproviding information on the University of Sydney Library website. Copying and reuse

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 17 of 35

conditions should be part of the negotiation whenever the Library negotiates accesswith an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community for materials containing theircultural information.
In addition to the exceptions to infringement contained in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth),copying and communicating First Nations cultural information and intellectual property
is subject to Protocol 3.4 ‘Access to material’, and Protocol 3.5 ‘Restricted access’.
Clients wanting to copy and communicate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural
information held in the Library’s collection for commercial purposes should not only
seek copyright permission (from the publisher of the work), but also gain the permissionof the relevant First Nations community. Before proceeding, clients should provide
written permission from an organisation or member of the relevant First Nations
community. A copy of the written permission should be acquired, recorded, andpreserved in the University’s internal records.
3.10 Handling materials containing sensitive information
If a staff member or client must handle material that is known to contain restricted,
secret or sacred cultural information, they should maintain confidentiality by:• Working in a private space if possible• Displaying signs to warn co-workers that they are working on sensitive
material• If material is on a computer screen, they should have the screen facing in a
way that it is not visible to other people• If the material is known to contain cultural information that is gendered, then
only staff members that identify as the appropriate gender should handle
and work with the material. For example, staff members who identify as men
should be the only ones allowed to work on material containing men'sbusiness.
Sensitive cultural information can have an emotional effect on both First Nations andnon-Indigenous people. Staff members working with material containing restrictedcultural information should take regular breaks, and managers should be aware that
staff working with material containing restricted cultural information may need time torecover after the work is completed.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members can potentially have cultural
obligations or personal reservations when working with material containing restrictedcultural information. They should be asked if they feel comfortable working withrestricted material before commencing and be provided the agency to refuse to workwith certain materials.
This protocol should also be discussed with external vendors who handle collection
material and should be a consideration in future negotiations with vendors.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 18 of 35

3.11 Care and sensitivity notices – Systems
The Library’s public-facing online systems and services should contain a cultural
warning that displays as clients enter, and states the following:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the collection
contains images, voices, or names of deceased persons in photographs, audiovisual or printed material.
This warning should coincide with the context statement described in Protocol 2.1.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 19 of 35

4. Engagement
The University of Sydney Library is committed to establishing and maintaining strong
reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples andcommunities by creating supportive spaces and services for its First Nations clients. It
will also seek to develop strategies to recruit and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff.
4.1 Inviting First Nations voices
To promote First Nations self-representation, the University of Sydney Library should
budget to invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into Library spaces for adiverse range of public programs (workshops, talks, tours and other events). This willallow students, staff and other Library clients to engage with First Nations cultures innuanced ways that challenge stereotypes and misconceptions and provide a better
understanding of history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewpoints andknowledges, particularly in a library context.
Elements to be considered when organising First Nations programs include:• Researching the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist, academic, cultural
practitioners you intend to invite, and consulting with First Nations staff and the
Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services(DVCISS) about their invitation.
• Undertaking the program, where possible, in collaboration with other parts of
the University, for example, DVCISS, the Chau Chak Wing Museum or
University Archives.
• Ensuring any recording of a First Nations program is done with the free, prior,and informed consent of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
involved.
• Ensuring that any external promotional communication for a First Nations
program is done in consultation with the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
person/people involved so that it accurately represents the content and people
in the program.
• While compromises may be necessary due to resources and equipment, underno circumstances should the Library tell the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
presenters what topics they cannot talk about or ask for language to besoftened regarding colonisation.
• Unless otherwise agreed, all information provided by the invited Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander guest remains their cultural and intellectual property anddoes not belong to the University of Sydney.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 20 of 35

4.2 Contradictory advice
The Library may face situations where it receives a request or advice from an
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member or organisation that contradicts
guidance the Library previously received from a different First Nations community
member or organisation. For example, the Library may receive contradictory advice
regarding access to certain cultural information. When this occurs, the Library should
consult the Reference Group (Protocol 6.0) about how to proceed.
In situations of contradictory advice, the Library will follow the guidance of the Senior
Traditional Custodians from where the cultural information originates – particularly
from community organisations such as Land Councils and Elders Groups. The below
scenarios are included below to demonstrate how this might work in practice.
Scenario 1: If a student who is Wiradjuri takes offence to particular Whadjuk
Noongar material being accessible, but the Library has previously negotiatedaccess with Whadjuk Noongar community members, it should follow that
previous advice. The Library should inform the student that this is the case.
Scenario 2: If a Whadjuk Noongar student lodges a take-down request in
relation to material about their community, and the Library has previously
negotiated access with Whadjuk Noongar community members for thatmaterial, the Library should inform the community members with whom it
previously negotiated access of the new request (if possible). The Librarywould then contact the person or organisation making the request to informthem that the Library has previously received permission from senior Whadjuk
Noongar Elders / community members or organisations, naming the person /group / organisation with whom access had been negotiated. The Library may
invite the requestor to reply to the material in question, potentially in oral or
written form and, with their permission, have that reply become part of thecollection by linking it digitally to the material in question through metadata(see Protocol 2.3 ‘Right of reply’).
Scenario 3: Similar action should be taken regarding a request from a senior
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member that contradicts advice
the Library has received from a community organisation such as a Land Council
or Elders Group representing the community from which the cultural information
originates. In this scenario, contacting and consulting with the community
organisation should be paramount as they need to be informed of the situation.
This may be a circumstance where the senior Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander community member who has raised the concern should speak directly
to the community organisation. However, unless informed otherwise by the First
Nations community organisation, the Library should continue following theoriginal advice.
Scenario 4: If the person who is making the request is a descendant of a
named source from which the cultural material originates, their request should
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 21 of 35

take precedence over any previous advice received. For example, if in a thesis
it is documented that secret or sacred cultural information came from interviews
from Noongar Elder Mary Smith and Mary Smith’s descendants’ request access
restriction for the material, this should override previously received advice thataccess to the material should remain open, as this is a privacy and culturalconcern for the family.
In no circumstances should the Library question or ask for verification of person’s First
Nations identity or their claims to a First Nations clan / tribe / language group /nation.
4.3 Staffing – Indigenous Engagement Officer
To better facilitate and navigate relationships between the Library and Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities, and to coordinate engagement with thesecommunities between the Library and other areas of the University (DVCISS, the Chau
Chak Wing Museum and University Archives), it is recommended that the Libraryestablish an Indigenous Engagement Officer position within the Library. This position
should be a First Nations identified role.
This position would be the key contact for consultation with First Nations communities,
would also facilitate collaboration on projects with the Museum and Archives on
projects the Library may undertake involving cultural collections. This position would
also contribute to the strategic directions of the Library regarding culturally competent
practice and embedding First Nations worldviews.
4.4 Staffing – cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
The University of Sydney strives to provide a workplace that is culturally safe for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. To achieve this, the Library should adhere
to University of Sydney policies and guidelines relating to embedding cultural safety
and staff retention such as the University of Sydney – Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Workforce Strategic Framework 2019–2021
The University of Sydney Library should also
• Ensure all managers and people leaders have undertaken cultural competence
training.
• Make certain that any reports by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
regarding racist or culturally unsafe behaviours by other staff are taken
seriously, and lead to change.
• Create space for organisational critical self-reflection about its practices.
• Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working in the Library
have opportunities to connect with broader First Nations networks within andexternal to the University of Sydney.
• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to attend cultural events andprofessional development opportunities.
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 22 of 35

•Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are not, due to their cultural
background, pressured into tasks outside their role description unless they haveexpressed a desire to be involved (for example, organising NAIDOC Week
events).

The Library adheres to the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ – while it isimportant to not add work unrelated to requirements laid out in staff’s official position
descriptions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working for the Library should
be kept informed about any First Nations-related work and events that are occurringand seek their input where they are willing to contribute.
4.5 Spaces
The Library aims to develop a visible First Nations presence within Library spaces, inorder to increase cultural safety and promote a greater sense of place andunderstanding of First Nations cultures. This includes extending the visual representationof Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language, art, and history within Library
spaces in different mediums. Key considerations include:• Ensuring, where possible, that projects involving space foreground the Country
they sit on and the culture and history of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander custodians• Consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and DVCISS before
undertaking a project• Adhering to University of Sydney protocols and guidelines such as theWingara Mura design principles and confirming they are current• Ensuring, where possible, that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics
and students are part of any user experience testing of Library services• Budgeting to financially compensate any external Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander artists or consultant Elders engaged on projects• Considering whether resources used for a project are environmentally
sustainable and not damaging to Country• Complimenting any resources that are about First Nations culture but by a
non-Indigenous creator, (e.g. a quote or an image from a rare book), with areinterpretation by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person• Avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes of First Nations peoples and culture
for non-Indigenous audiences• Considering how each space could incorporate reciprocity and sharing• Considering how space could facilitate truth telling.
These considerations extend to the Library’s digital spaces such as the Library website.
Thought should be given to whether any Library spaces may be too Western. Things to
consider include:• An overabundance of colonial artworks or portraits of colonial figures

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 23 of 35

••Historical references which do not include any Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander perspectives, andMessaging that dismisses First Nations history.

The Library will investigate and determine capacity for a First Nations dedicated study
space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This should be done incollaboration with Mana Yura Student Support Officers. This space could potentiallyalso be used when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members visit the
Library.
4.6 Promoting ethical research
To support all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and those undertaking
First Nations research, Library staff will maintain awareness of and promote current
best practice guidelines, such as the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Research (2020).
4.7 Staff engagement in cultural competence training
To enhance staff cultural competence, the Library Cultural Competence Community ofPractice will develop a diverse range of opportunities for staff to improve theirunderstanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. The
Community of Practice will also identify and communicate ways in which the Librarycan promote this understanding among Library clients.
Cultural competence training should be part of Library induction, and a requirementfor directors and managers. Engagement with cultural competence training should be
regular and diverse. All staff should also be encouraged, at a minimum, to complete
the online cultural competence training modules provided by the University’s National
Centre for Cultural Competence.
4.8 Acknowledgement of Country
The University of Sydney Library operates on unceded Aboriginal lands. To
demonstrate dedication to fostering an environment of respect and truth telling, theLibrary and its staff acknowledge and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal
peoples have to these lands, and the knowledge and practices that have allowed them
to be holistically and sustainably maintained.
Library staff are encouraged to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country before
meetings, gatherings or events, even if the content of the proceeding event does not
relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture or history. An Acknowledgementof Country is a statement of awareness and respect for the Traditional Custodians of
the land a person is on, and the continuing relationship those Custodians have with theland. Whereas a Welcome to Country is delivered by someone who is an Indigenous
Traditional Custodian, an Acknowledgement of Country can be delivered by any
member of staff, Indigenous or non-Indigenous. In many cases it may be better if nonPRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 24 of 35

Indigenous person delivers the Acknowledgement – especially if they are a senior
Library staff member or the Chair of the meeting.
In formal meetings or in situations where a person is unsure about what to say when
delivering an Acknowledgement, the University of Sydney’s official Acknowledgement
can be used. A copy of the University’s Acknowledgement can be found below.
In less formal settings such as internal meetings or gatherings, an Acknowledgement
should be personalised. This provides an opportunity for the person delivering it toshare what it means to them to work on Country. Doing this can demonstrate theirgenuine respect for Country.
Before delivering any Acknowledgement, the person delivering it should also learn
what Country they are on, who its Traditional Custodians are, and how to pronounce
the name of their community.
It is considered best practice for organisations to display an Acknowledgement ofCountry in their public-facing spaces such as in foyers. The Library commits to visibly
displaying an Acknowledgement of Country in its physical spaces an on its website.
A Welcome to Country is different to an Acknowledgement of Country. A Welcome toCountry is a ceremony performed by a prominent member of the local Aboriginalcommunity, usually an Elder. It is a practice that has existed since before the arrival of
Europeans to Australia and its purpose is to acknowledge and provide consent forevents taking place on their traditional lands. The difference between a Welcome toCountry and an Acknowledgement, which can be delivered by someone who is not a
Traditional Custodian, is important and should be observed carefully.
At larger events such as a conference organised by the Library or at a formal eventwith First Nations visitors, an Elder or appropriate representative from the local First
Nations community should be invited to deliver a Welcome to Country. (Please notethat this is a paid service. A Welcome to Gadigal Country can be organised throughthe Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council website.)

The University of Sydney’s formal Acknowledgement of Country
Before we begin the proceedings, I would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the
traditional owners of the land on which we meet: the [Gadigal] people of the [Eora]
Nation. It is upon their ancestral lands that the University of Sydney is built.
As we share our own knowledge, teaching, learning and research practices within thisuniversity may we also pay respect to the knowledge embedded forever within the
Aboriginal Custodianship of Country.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 25 of 35

5. Benefit sharing
The University of Sydney Library recognises the value of First Nations knowledge andhow offering culturally safe services, collections, and spaces is of benefit to all clients.
The Library also acknowledges that the benefits academic institutions have gained
from First Nations knowledges have not always been shared with the communities fromwhich this knowledge originated. The Library is committed to working reciprocally with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and knowledge holders to realise themutual benefits of knowledge sharing.
5.1 Respecting and valuing First Nations input – financial compensation and terms
To demonstrate that it values First Nations knowledges, the Library will budget for thetime of First Nations peoples where their expertise is being shared – especially that ofsenior First Nations community members. If seeking or receiving any important cultural
intellectual property that will be added to the collection, the Library website, orLibrary spaces (such as creation stories, or stories about kin relationships to Country, or
private cultural information), the Library will negotiate an appropriate licence fee forthe use of the information. Consultation with DVCISS is recommended to establish an
appropriate rate or licence fee prior to negotiations.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members operate as freelancers
or small businesses. Wherever possible, seven-day payment terms are recommended.
If a Library project requires external consultants to advise on or share Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander cultural knowledge but there is no budget to compensate the First
Nations community for their time and expertise, then the project should bereconsidered.
5.2 Increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library staff
The inclusion of First Nations peoples within an organisation can change its culture to
the benefit of all clients and staff. The University of Sydney Library has an
aspirational goal to increase the proportion of First Nations staff in the Library toapproximate parity with the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populationof Australia. To achieve this, the Library will work towards four percent of its staff
being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander by 2023. This will be done in consultation
with the Office of DVCISS and University HR.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 26 of 35

6.0 Reference group
To assist with decision-making processes relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultural heritage within the collection, the Library will convene a referencegroup whose expertise can be called upon when needed. It is envisaged that thegroup will provide advice and facilitate consultation with relevant Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander stakeholders in matters such as responding to takedown requests
and determining access to materials.
This group will be composed of Library staff with strong cultural competenceawareness and have representation from each of the Library divisions. The groupshould also include a First Nations Library staff member. The Library will additionallyconsider including other University stakeholders on the group, such as an expert from
University Archives, a curator from the Chau Chak Wing Museum who works with First
Nations cultures, a staff member from DVCISS, a First Nations academic, and a First
Nations student.

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 27 of 35

Appendix I: Terminology guide
The following guide is a reference for University of Sydney Library Staff to support
their use of appropriate First Nations terminology. It is important to note that
preferences in terminology will vary across Australia for individuals, communities, andagencies. Furthermore, these preferences may change over time. This is based on the
University of Sydney’s Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communication.
Preferred terms•

Aboriginal: This is a preferred term when referring to the First Peoples of this land. It
should be used only as an adjective, never a noun (e.g. “She is an Aboriginal woman”,“This was made by an Aboriginal person”) and should always be capitalised.
Please note that the adjective “Aboriginal” does not include the Torres Strait Islands.
The Torres Strait Islands are distinct and separate, both physically in land mass andculturally. It is a group made up of many distinct groups which prefer to be identified
as such.
Be mindful that there has been criticism of the word “Aboriginal” as potentially having
a homogenising effect and there are generational differences in preference for its use.
Many organisations and community groups are moving towards using “First Nations” asan adjective, instead of “Aboriginal”, because of the implications of grouping manydifferent cultural groups under a single heading. Once one is aware of a person’s
specific Nation or Clan, it is often more appropriate to refer to them in this way, e.g.
“a Wiradjuri man”.

● First Nations: This is a preferred term when referring to the First Peoples of this land
as well as cultural and contemporary objects, heritage, land and cultural practices.
Because this land mass is made up of many different Nations and no single
homogenous culture ‘First Nations’ is more accurate and respects the understanding thatmany different culturally diverse cultural groups exist. First Nations is a term that isbeing used globally, and resonates internationally with Indigenous peoples, especiallyin America and Canada.
● First Peoples: This term can be used similarly to ‘First Nations’ however it is lesscommonly used in Australia.
● Nation group: The University’s First Nations staff come from many different nations
and like to be identified as such. A person’s nation is often included in theirintroduction, otherwise it is also appropriate to ask.
For example, a First Nations person may introduce themselves by stating: “Myname is Nathan and I’m a Wiradjuri man”
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 28 of 35

It is common for Aboriginal people to introduce both their Nation and their clangroup.
For example: “My name is Nathan and I’m a Wiradjuri man from the Mowgee
Clan.”
By comparison, for example, someone from Italy would be unlikely to introduce
themselves as European. Instead, they would likely indicate that they are from Italy
as this has its own language, customs and culture. In this same manner, the term
‘Aboriginal’ is very general and ignores the diversity and sovereignty of individual
nation groups, which is why many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
prefer to identify with their specific Nation group.
● Indigenous: Similar to the term Aboriginal, Indigenous is still used quite widely but canhave a homogenising effect. The term is still employed by the AustralianCommonwealth Government and sometimes in international contexts when referring toFirst Nations people across the world (for example, the “United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” or the “International Year of Indigenous Languages”).
If used when referring to the First Nations people or culture of Australia, Indigenousmust be capitalised. Please note: unlike the term “Aboriginal”, this is a term that isinclusive of the Torres Strait Islands.
Non-preferred terms● Aborigine: The term 'Aborigine' was commonly used up until about the 1960s but is
now generally regarded as outdated and inappropriate. It must NOT be used unlessdirectly quoting.
Alternative: Aboriginal, First Nations or the specific Nation would be preferred.
•First Australians: This term is generally not preferred, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people predate ‘Australia’ by thousands of years. The terminology is notaccurate, and many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not identify asAustralian at all.
Alternative: First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or the specificNation would be preferred.

● ATSI: This acronym for “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander” should be avoided.
Using this term is homogenising and disrespectful.
Alternative: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
● Blood quantum terminology: This is terminology like part-Aboriginal, mixed blood,
full-blood, half-caste, quarter-caste. Referring to someone as part/half/a percentage
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 29 of 35

Aboriginal can be offensive. You should never quantify to what degree a person is
Aboriginal based on their bloodline or skin colour.
Alternative: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, First Nations or the specificNation would be preferred.
● Native: Avoid using this term to describe First Nations people, communities, andpractices as it has been historically used as a pejorative and can be dehumanising as it
is generally a term to used describe flora and fauna.
● Prehistoric/primitive: Avoid using prehistoric/primitive and similar terms whendescribing First Nations cultures as it can be highly offensive because they imply First
Nations societies are not as 'advanced' as European societies and can dismiss that they
are living cultures.
● Our First Nations Peoples/First Peoples/Indigenous Peoples: When referring to First
Nations people, refrain from using possessive terms like ‘our’ as First Nations people
do not belong to anybody. This extends to our collections and services. Try to avoid
phrases like “our First Nations material” when talking about collection items.
Alternative: First Nations people of Australia; the First Nations cultural heritage inthe Library’s collection; The First Nations students at the University of Sydney.
● Lower case: When referring to the First Nations people of Australia and their culture,objects or languages, all the terms MUST be capitalised. It is disrespectful to treat
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, land, and cultures as non-proper nouns.
For example, the words Australia, Australian, Europe, and European are allcapitalised.
Example: Aboriginal, Indigenous, Bundjalung, First Nations.
Terminology to consider● Urban/remote: Consider terms like urban or remote, especially when referring to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or communities, before using them. Thereis a longstanding implication that ‘urban’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
and culture are ‘less Aboriginal’ than ‘remote’ people and culture, which is offensive.
The idea that ‘real’ Aboriginal people live in Arnhem Land or the Central desert, andthat only ‘remote’ First Nations people and cultures are ‘really Aboriginal’ is highly
problematic and offensive. Because of this, you should only use terms such as ‘remote’to refer to geographical location and access to services.
● Traditional Owner: It is common to hear the term ‘Traditional Owner/s’ used to referto a First Nations person or community that is directly descended from the original First
Nations inhabitants of an area and is culturally connected to their Country. The term
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 30 of 35

‘Custodian’ over ‘Owner’ is preferred by some First Nations people as it is morereflective of their philosophy. Many First Nations people see their connection as
working conjointly with the land rather than ‘owning’ it in the Western sense, whereassome First Nations people prefer ‘Owners’ to assert sovereignty and dispel terra
nullius.
● Knowledges: Note that when discussing First Nations science or epistemology, unlessreferring to specific element of First Nations knowledges, that knowledge should be
pluralised. It is purposely expressed in this way to reflect diversity by acknowledging
the existence of more than ‘a single homogenous body’ of Indigenous-derived
information.
● Discovery: Consider implications when using the terms discovery or discover, especiallyin discussing the exploration of First Nations lands by Europeans as many First Nations
peoples have occupied these lands for thousands of years before being visited by
Europeans. Instead of James Cook discovering Australia, say “James Cook was the first
Englishman to map the east coast of the lands now known as Australia”. This advice
extends to ‘firsts’ as well. For example, instead of saying “Matthew Flinders was thefirst person to circumnavigate Australia”, say that he was the “first European tocircumnavigate Australia [according to colonial accounts]”.
● Ancient/traditional: Be cautious when using this terminology because it implies First
Nations culture is only correct when in the past and can create a false dichotomy of
only never-changing cultural practices as being ‘correct’. Western scientific practices
are rarely referred to as “traditional Western science”.
● Settlement/encounters: Be cautious when using these terms as it can minimise thebrutality of colonisation on First Nations peoples and lands and can ignore that
Australia was not settled peacefully and there was continuous First Nations resistance.
● Paternalistic framing: This is less about particular terms and more about the framingof what is being communicated. Avoid phrasing like “the University of Sydney Libraryis preserving First Nations languages” as it dismisses the agency and effort of the First
Nations people working hard to preserve their languages. If working on a project
related to First Nations people and culture, when communicated, the emphasis shouldbe placed on the collaboration between the Library and the relevant First Nations
community if it complements the work the community is already doing.
● Deficit discourse: Like paternalism, although this is less about specific terms and more
about the framing of what is being communicated. ‘Deficit discourse’ refers todisempowering patterns of language and practice that represent people in terms of
deficiencies and failures. It particularly refers to discourse that places responsibility for
problems with the affected individuals or communities, overlooking the larger
socioeconomic structures in which they are embedded.
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 31 of 35

● Mythology: Terms such as ‘myth’, 'mythology' or ‘story’ conveys the impression that
information from the Dreaming is not true or is trivial, only happened in the distantpast, or are fairy tales rather than creation stories which we do not do with otherreligions. Consider using preferred alternate terms such as ‘Creation Time’ or ‘Dream
Time’.
Additional terms● Country: The term ‘Country’ describes the area of land associated with an Aboriginalor Torres Strait Islander nation, clan or culturally distinct group. In addition to referring
to a physical location, Country can also infer the cultural relationship a group has withthe land, and its responsibilities to care for the land. Country when used in this context
should always be capitalised.
● Elder: A First Nations Elder is someone recognised within their community as acustodian of cultural knowledge and law. A recognised First Nations community leader
could also gain Elder status within their community. It should be noted that age isn’t aprerequisite and doesn’t automatically make someone an Elder. The important thing isthat the community recognises the individual as an Elder. Elder used in this context
should always be capitalised.
● Uncle and Aunty: The title Uncle or Aunty is often bestowed by a First Nations
community on their Elders. Some Elders may choose to be known by this title publicly,
while others might reserve it for use in personal settings. Its best practice to ask an
Elder if they wish to be referred to as Uncle or Aunty before adopting these titles.
When using these terms, always capitalise Uncle and Aunty and Aunty should always
be spelt with a ‘y’ not an ‘ie’.
● Murri, Goori, Koori, Palawa, Nunga, Yolngu, Anangu, Noongar: These terms areoften used by First Nations people from different areas to describe themselves. For
example, many First Nations peoples from other areas of Australia live in Queenslandand they would continue to refer to themselves using the term that best describes their
original geographic identity. For example, someone from New South Wales living inQueensland would still consider themselves to be a Koori.
• Murri – Queensland, north west New South Wales• Noongar/Nyoongah – south west Western Australia• Koori – New South Wales• Goori – north coast New South Wales• Koorie – Victoria• Yolngu – Arnhem Land, Northern Territory• Anangu – Central Australia
PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 32 of 35

• Palawa – Tasmania• Nunga (not always a more appropriate term) – South Australia

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 33 of 35

References
AIATSIS, 2012. Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies.
[online] aiatsis.gov.au. Available at:https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-09/gerais.pdf
AIATSIS, 2020. AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Research. [online]. aiatsis.gov.au. Available at:https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/ethical-research
AIATSIS, n.d. Mura® Collections Catalogue. [online] aiatsis.gov.au. Available at:https://iats.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/external
AIATSIS, n.d. AIATSIS Pathways Thesauri. [online] aiatsis.gov.au. Available at:
http://www1.aiatsis.gov.au/
American Psychological Association, 2020. APA Style. Available at:https://apastyle.apa.org/
ATSILIRN, 2012. ATSILIRN – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library andInformation Resource Network. [online] Atsilirn.aiatsis.gov.au. Available at:https://atsilirn.aiatsis.gov.au/protocols.php
Global Indigenous Data Alliance, 2019. CARE Principles for Indigenous Data
Governance. [online] Available at: https://www.gida-global.org/care
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, 2015. Welcome to Country. [online]
metrolalc.org.au. Available at: https://metrolalc.org.au/servicesresources/welcome-to-country/
Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, 2020. MAAS Australian Indigenous Culturaland Intellectual Property Protocol. [online] Maas.museum. Available at:https://maas.museum/app/uploads/2016/08/Australian-Indigenous-Culturaland-Intellectual-Cultural-Property-Protocol-v1.0.pdf
National and State Libraries Australia, 2020. Copyright Information for Clients.
[online] nsla.org.au. Available at:https://www.nsla.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/nsla.copyright-info-forclients-2020.pdf
Terri Janke and Company, 2019. First Peoples: A Roadmap for Enhancing
Indigenous Engagement in Museums and Galleries. [online] 223116f5-186a-4ef88beb-326bf73fcd09.filesusr.com. Available at: https://223116f5-186a-4ef88beb326bf73fcd09.filesusr.com/ugd/f76062_c67539d5b2e2433181f66b15ec499d
89.pdf [Accessed 7 August 2020].
United Nations, 2007. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. [online] un.org. Available at:

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 34 of 35

https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wpcontent/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
University of Sydney, 2016. Wingara Mura Design Principles. [online]
sydney.edu.au. Available at:https://www.sydney.edu.au/documents/about/working-with-us/wingara-muradesign-principles.pdf
University of Sydney, 2019. The University of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Workforce Strategic Framework 2019 - 2021. [online] Sydney.edu.au.
Available at:https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/aboutus/careers-atsydney/Aboriginal%20and%20Torres%20Strait%20Islander%20Workforce%20
Strategic%20Framework%202019-2021.pdf [Accessed 7 August 2020].
University of Sydney, 2020. Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Communication. [online] intrenet.sydney.edu.au. Available at:https://intranet.sydney.edu.au/services/marketing-communications/writingediting/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-terminology.html
University of Sydney Library, 2021. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Engagement Framework. University of Sydney Library document management
system, Sydney.
University of Sydney Library, 2021. Examples of First Nations Referencing in APA.
University of Sydney Library document management system, Sydney.
University of Technology Sydney, 2020. Harvard UTS Referencing Guide:
Indigenous Material. [online] lib.uts.edu.au. Available at:https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/referencing/harvard-uts-referencingguide/indigenous-material
Wilkinson, M., Dumontier, M., Aalbersberg, I. et al., 2016. The FAIR Guiding
Principles for scientific data management and stewardship. [online] Sci Data 3,
160018. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2016.18

PRINTED COPIES ARENOT CONTROLLED|

Version 1.0
LAST REVIEWED: Feb 2021|

University of Sydney Library
Page 35 of 35