Koorie

Koorie is a term used in Australia to refer to Aboriginal peoples of the southeastern part of the country, particularly in the state of Victoria. It is used as an umbrella descriptor for Indigenous communities in Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales, encompassing a number of language groups such as Woiwurrung, Boonwurrung, Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Gunai/Kurnai, and others.

The term is sometimes preferred by communities as a self-identifier, while in other contexts people may identify by language group or simply as Aboriginal or Indigenous Australian. Spelling variations exist, including Koorie and Koorie, and the term is widely used in education, media, museums, and cultural organizations in Victoria. Its origins are tied to historical usage in local Indigenous languages and later anglicised forms; its acceptance and interpretation vary among individuals and communities.

In contemporary Victoria, organizations such as the Koorie Heritage Trust promote Koorie culture, language revival, and historical remembrance, while schools and public institutions incorporate Koorie perspectives into curricula and exhibits. Naming practices emphasize respect for self-identification and cultural distinctiveness, acknowledging that many individuals prefer to identify with a specific language group or with the broader terms Aboriginal or Indigenous Australian.