Many Aboriginal people do not refer to themselves specifically as an Aboriginal person. Rather, they will identify themselves in accordance with their language group, tribe or clan. It is particularly important for duty solicitors who regularly assist Aboriginal defendants to become familiar with the language groups they are likely to encounter during their work.

Aboriginal people are not a homogenous group. Many Aboriginal people reside in urban areas whilst other Aboriginal people live on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (APY Lands) in the north-west of the State, and there are many different language or skin groups, traditions and cultural beliefs. Distinguishing between people living in urban areas and traditional people living on the APY Lands is important. However, close and integrated family and kinship networks, complex social and political relationships, values of community and obligation, land, law and culture are common features in all Aboriginal communities.