Evaluating Sources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rich cultures, heritage and ways of knowing that enrich the world. As a result, works about or by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be evaluated before being used.

• Who is telling the story? 

  Libraries are full of works by white writers who have published about Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These writers may (or may not) have communicated or acknowledged Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's knowledge accurately or appropriately.

• Is using the work appropriate? 

  Works should not be utilised if they are not accurate, authentic, balanced or culturally appropriate.

It may not be easy to find resources that comply with the checks below - try and be respectful. Find out more:

• Is the resource current/up-to-date?
• Did Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate in the development of the resource?
• Does the resource perpetuate out-of-date ways of thinking, e.g. terra nullis, there was no slavery in Australia?
• Does the resource provide insight into Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's rich cultures, histories and ways of knowing?
• Is the content relevant to your community or location? 

• Does it contain stereotypical content, e.g. derogatory language, negative framing?
• Are the roles of males and females given equal coverage and respect?
• Does it recognise there are hundreds of distinct Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups on the Australian mainland and on surrounding islands? Check out the Gambay Frist Languages Map or the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia to find out more.
• Does it recognise that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultures continue to evolve and grow?

• Does the resource use respectful and appropriate terminology?
• Does the resource share content that is secret or sacred and should not be shared?
• Does the resource contain images of deceased Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which may cause distress? Do you need to include a cultural sensitivity warning?
• Have you obtained permission to use the resource, or will using the resource infringe the creator's copyright or intellectual property rights?

The information on this page was inspired and guided by: