SBS World News introduces First Nations place names on weather map
SBS looks to acknowledge language, Country and culture with First Nations place names in its national weather forecast map.
- Published by David Knox
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SBS World News has introduced the use of First Nations place names in its national weather forecast map.
Launching to coincide with United Nations International Mother Language Day, it builds on SBS’s use of First Nations place names across news reporting, Acknowledgement of Country across programs.
Rhoda Roberts AO, a proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman and SBS’s Elder-in-Residence, introduced the weather report on SBS World News, saying, “The revitalisation of First Nations languages heals our nation. For me, it’s a time of a new awakening that informs us all. Behind every word you will find information about the seasons, the place and the ecology of our wonderful country. It’s more than education – it’s also the science and the realisation that words can enlighten us all”.
Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to present this milestone as an important step in honouring and strengthening a sense of belonging for First Nations peoples.
“This is for all Australians, including those newly arrived who look to SBS – however you engage with us across the network, we will acknowledge language, Country and culture in meaningful ways.”
SBS Director of News and Current Affairs, Mandi Wicks, said, “SBS, with NITV and language services at the heart of our network, is proud to be taking this important step in First Nations representation in Australian media.
“The power of language to foster inclusion can’t be understated, and this initiative will further share First Nations languages and cultures with all Australians.”
The Traditional Place and Nations Names Project is part of SBS’s Fifth Reconciliation Action Plan launched last year.
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6 Responses
This is a good thing in my opinion, it’s going to educate people on the language of First Nations and also highlight the various areas, overseas visitors watching will hopefully understand more about our country too.
It’ll only confuse people-Perth is ‘Perth’, Canberra is ‘Canberra’ etc etc.
Maybe confuses aboriginal people that their places have been given European names also?
Canberra‘s name is likely from local First Nations people meaning “meeting place”, and has been used for near on 75 years, that’s exactly why I used “educate” as the operative word, like for the uneducated.
And you don’t see the irony of changing the title of the only capital city with an Aboriginal name? Also the only ship of the US Navy with an Aboriginal name was the USS Canberra as a tribute to HMAS Canberra, lost at the battle of Savo Island in 1942.
My white fella understanding is while it means “meeting place” it was declared by Lady Denman, the wife of the Governor-General after ‘Cookaburra’, ‘Wheatwoolgold’ and ‘Kangaremu’ amongst those rejected. But I think you will find the land itself was otherwise known by indigenous groups which is what is being recognised here. I feel best to direct your queries to SBS or bodies like AIATSIS. A bit beyond a TV blog expertise.