Hi Reddit,
I'm not aboriginal, but I am curious and have a question I'm hoping you're able to answer for me regarding Kumanjayi Little Baby and the wider Warlpiri community.
My understanding is that after her passing was confirmed, the family requested that the media (and others?) use Kumanjayi Little Baby instead of her name. Who decides on this name? Is it her family? The community? Elders? Is there ever a time where it would be appropriate to use the name she went by in life? How do I even refer to this name without sounding awkward and insensitive? Birth name? What other practices do the Warlpiri people have around death? I assume using her image (and voice) would come with a disclaimer statement at the top of articles too like I sometimes see for historical articles/entries.
I'm weary about googling for answers because I feel like this is receiving a lot of white media attention and I'm not sure how accurate it is. I'm sorry if my question is insensitive or out of place here :( Please help me understand in a respectful and tender way.
My heart breaks for her, her family, and your wider community.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.