I am not here for your convenience

A small but essential act of self-determination for the original inhabitants of the nation now known as Australia is defining what we are called. More recently, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we have been reclaiming our right to name ourselves. This right, however, is often undermined by media outlets, academics, governments and non-Indigenous people who continue to use terms that are inconsistent, incorrect and inappropriate. The authors, through this article, share their personal views on why people who are not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to respect our self-determination rather than making decisions that are convenient for them.