Quote:
The State Government has launched a review of the language it uses when referring to Aboriginal people.
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs Kim Hames has asked the Aboriginal Advisory Board to make recommendations on the most appropriate collective term to use.
Dozens of Aboriginal organisations have been asked to give feedback by the end of April.
Kimberley MP Carol Martin says language does matter.
"I don't really like being called Indigenous because it really makes me feel like a plant or an animal species."
"That's just me personally. Most Aboriginal people will have their own opinion and I guess we really do need to pick something."
Ms Martin says it is an interesting question but perhaps not a priority for many Aboriginal people.
"I think with a lot of Aboriginal people, people such as myself, you look at me and you know I'm Aboriginal ok? Simple as that. I'm quite happy to be called Aboriginal because that's what I am."
"Not an Aborigine because I think that's subjective. Aboriginal person, yep love it. But some people are a bit more sensitive about it and most Aboriginal people will have their own opinions about it. I don't know, do we really need to spend more time on it?"
Source:
ABC NewsGuan
