Terminology This note on terminology provides definitions of terms used in the National Anti-Racism Framework Project Scoping Report. We acknowledge that definitions of these terms may vary and have provided an explanation of their use in the context of this Report. We do not intend to cause offence through the use of certain language and apologise for any harm that may be caused. First Nations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the lands now collectively referred to as Australia. First Nations is an encompassing term that refers to the numerous Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia.1 Indigeneity There is great diversity amongst First Nations people. There is no official definition of ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Indigeneity’, but rather, as the United Nations states, the ‘most fruitful approach is to identify rather than define Indigenous peoples…. based on the fundamental criterion of selfidentification as underlined in a number of human rights documents’.2 This approach highlights the importance of self-identification and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have their own laws and customs to determine the membership of their group. Self-determination Self-determination refers to First Nations peoples and communities’ autonomy to control decisions that shape their economic, social, cultural, and political interests and futures.3 The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) outlines the minimum standards for states to achieve regarding the realisation of Indigenous people’s rights. Article 3, the right to self-determination, is positioned as the overarching norm from which all UNDRIP rights can be realised.4 Multicultural The term multicultural refers to the diversity of racial, cultural, and religious identities within a society. The use of the term multiculturalism encompasses culturally and linguistically diverse people. It does not apply to First Nations peoples who have a unique position and experience in Australia. National Anti-Racism Framework Scoping Report 2022 | 14