Welcoming Our Little Ones: Words and meanings

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Ways of knowing, being and doing

Together, these ideas shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of life – deeply connected to culture, Land and Community.

• Ways of knowing: This is about how you learn and understand things. It includes traditional knowledge passed down from Elders, learning from nature, and understanding through stories and experiences.
• Ways of being: This is about who you are and how you live your life. It includes your values, beliefs and how you connect with the world around you.
• Ways of doing: This is about how you act and what you do in your daily life. It includes practices, traditions, and the skills you use to take care of Country, your Community, family and yourself.

Women’s business

This means special things that only women do and know about. It includes traditions and roles just for women. It also involves important ceremonies and practices related to birth and raising children. These are passed down from mothers and grandmothers to their daughters. Women’s business is about the important work and knowledge women have in their culture.

Men’s business

This means special things that only men do and know about. It includes traditions and roles just for men. It also involves important ceremonies and practices related to teaching younger men skills and knowledge. These are passed down from fathers and grandfathers to their sons. Men’s business is about the important work and knowledge men have in their culture.

Non-binary and gender-diverse

Some people don’t see themselves just as a man or a woman, or a mum or a dad. Or they might have a spirit that is different to the body they were born in. We may know people who identify as LGBTQIA+, sistagirls, brothaboys, two-spirits (2S) or Rainbow Mob. They might see themselves as a parent instead of a mum or dad.

They have their own special roles, traditions and knowledge in the community. They might take part in both men’s business and women’s business or have their own unique ways of contributing to Community. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, all people, no matter their gender, should have a valuable place and role.

However, it’s important to recognise that gender diverse people might also face discrimination, isolation or violence, despite their significant contributions to Community.

You might like to read more about gender diverse or trans mob, or connect in with their social and support networks.

Cultural protocol

Cultural protocol means respecting and following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions, customs, practices, values and Elders, in all their diversity. Diversity means different languages, places and practices.

Lore

Lore is the traditional knowledge and teachings passed down through generations. It includes laws, beliefs and practices that shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of life, and connection to the Land and Spirit.

Traditional custodianship

Traditional custodianship duty of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people means using cultural knowledge to take care of Land. This includes protecting nature, looking after important cultural sites and keeping the environment healthy for future generations.