Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.
All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.
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In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents) |
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Only in the Library |
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Publicly available |
As part of your project you may wish to interview local Elders or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people. This is a wonderful way to get direct information and perspectives about peoples’ lives, culture, language and history – but like all researchers you should be aware of a few key things.
When you interview people they will sometimes share personal information with you which is not always appropriate to publish or share with others. Information contained in your journals, notes or finished assessment may include personal contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses), sensitive comments or even medical information. They may also share personal information relating to their friends, family members and other people. Always check with the person you have interviewed to make sure this information is removed or that they are comfortable with it being shared.
People you speak with or interview may choose to share cultural knowledge with you in the form of Aboriginal language, traditional or Dreaming stories, the locations of sacred or important places or the specifics of making cultural items (like spears, artworks, boomerangs or shields). It is always advisable to double check that the knowledge they have shared with you is appropriate to share with others, and that your work doesn’t reveal or risk special places or knowledge which belong to certain communities, Elders or families.
Aboriginal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus p.36
The historical sources found in State Library of NSW use language that, while acceptable at the time, can cause pain to First Nations people if they were used today.
Remember, it is important to always use respectful and inclusive language. Here are some resources which may assist with your choice of language in projects and assessments.
