New guidelines to promote Aboriginal language for place naming
Posted: November 12th, 2020
The Aboriginal and Dual Naming Guidelines for naming Western Australian geographic features and places have been launched by the State Government, to help preserve and reawaken local languages through Aboriginal place names.
Developed in consultation with local governments, Aboriginal organisations and other key stakeholders, the guidelines give communities across Western Australia the tools to identify opportunities for Aboriginal place naming and implement them.
Geographical features and places in Western Australia were named by Aboriginal peoples long before the arrival of non-Aboriginal people. The names are intrinsically attached to an Aboriginal group’s understanding of its history, culture, rights, and responsibilities to the lands.
The guidelines emphasise engaging with traditional owners early on to acknowledge their connect to Country. Additionally, these guidelines are intended to support local government and other agencies in the development of their Reconciliation Action Plan.
The guidelines can be accessed here.