The 'place of many crows' has become synonymous with Wagga over the years, but Uncle Stan Grant told Wagga City Council on Monday night that the real meaning of the word has been lost in translation.

"Many people believe it's place of many crows, but I am here to tell you it has absolutely nothing to do with crows," he said. "Wagga is the word for dance, so Wagga Wagga, you're saying dancing or celebrating."

Dr Grant has been "fighting this battle" since he was six years old. He said correcting the error will be difficult, given that it has been recorded and told for many decades.

"There will be people who challenge it ... it's important to tread carefully and gently," he said. "I know it won't happen overnight. I know it will cost a lot of money to change signs and logos, but please respect us and think that our word Wagga means something different.

"It takes time to make positive change. If we start now, it might happen in 50 years' time."

The council acknowledged the meaning of Wagga in its Reconciliation Action Plan, which was adopted last night. The plan's priority will be to build relationships based on respect with Indigenous people.

Cr Paul Funnell acknowledged that reconciliation could be a "sensitive subject" that polarises the community, but it was important to have these conversations.

"I am pleased we have a 6 per cent target of employment of First Nations people. We must reach out and help people of disadvantage. As statistics show there is a higher percentage of people in a position of disadvantage and we have an obligation to help all disadvantage, not just based on skin colour or cultural background," he said.

Cr Funnell said using the city's real translation is "a step in the right direction".

"Once you take away any nations' language, you strip them of their culture and identity. It's pleasing to see where we've turned," he said.

Cr Dan Hayes said it was important that the council correct the mistake to ensure the Wiradjuri language remains.

"We make mistakes and we learn, not just as individuals, but as a community," he said.

Cr Rod Kendall said the council will continue to have a Reconciliation Action Plan until there is equality for the Indigenous community.

"To me, the adoption of the plan is recognising that there has been an ongoing breakdown of relationships - of equality - that's having an ongoing effect on our First Nations people, it is still in effect today. Until we get past that, then we need a plan," he said.