Welcome and Acknowledgement to Country

Welcome to Country

The Traditional Custodians of the Land, usually a senior representative of the local Aboriginal community, should undertake the "Welcome to Country" Ceremony. However, this is dependent upon the location of the event and the practice of the community. Steps should be taken to ensure that the appropriate Aboriginal representative is invited to undertake the Ceremony. It is very important that the Aboriginal representative has been involved in and is comfortable with the arrangements.

What is a Welcome to Country

A "Welcome to Country is where the Traditional Aboriginal Custodians (in most cases the Elders) welcome people to their Land. This is a significant recognition and is made through a formal process. A "Welcome to Country" should always occur in the opening ceremony of the event in question, preferably as the first item.

The "Welcome to Country" is conducted by a representative (or representatives) of the local Aboriginal Custodians who welcome the delegates, those in attendance, invited guests, staff and students to their Country. Protocols in relation to the performing of a "Welcome to Country" Ceremony are wide and diverse and can vary according to region and locality.

A "Welcome to Country" may consist of a single speech by the representative of the local Aboriginal community, or it can also include a performance of some description )which will vary according to region and locality). Performances can include a Traditional Welcoming Song, a Traditional Dance, didgeridoo performance or a combination of activities. It is important that Aboriginal representatives are comfortable with the arrangements for a Welcome to Country.

Acknowledgement of Country

An "Acknowledgement of Country" is a way that all people can show respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage and the ongoing relationship the Traditional Custodians have with the land.

At the beginning of a meeting or function, a Chair or Speaker begins by Acknowledging that the meeting is taking place in the Country of the Traditional Custodians. Where the name of the Traditional Custodians is known, it is specifically used. Where it is not know a general Acknowledgement is given.

Examples of Acknowledgement of Country could be:

"I would like to show my respect and Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, of Elders past and present, on which this meeting takes place."

"I would like to Acknowledge the Wongaibon and Wiradjuri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Wiradjuri Nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginals present."

What is an Acknowledgement of Country

"Acknowledgement of Country" is a way that the wider community can demonstrate respect for Aboriginal protocol and can be performed by any party that is participating in an occasion of any kind.

"Acknowledgement of Country" can be performed by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the Traditional Custodians of the Land and or Sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted.

"Acknowledgement of Country" is a respectful means of Acknowledging that the event, meeting, school function, etc. is taking place on the Country of the Traditional Custodians.

Many organisations and Government departments are adopting the practice of Acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions.

The process of "Welcome to Country" and "Acknowledgement of Country" recognises the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history.

Aboriginal people are the Original Custodians of the Land. It is important this unique position is recognised and incorporated as part of official protocol and events to enable the wider community to share in Aboriginal Culture and Heritage, facilitating better relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community.

By incorporating Aboriginal Acknowledgements and Ceremonies into official events and daily proceedings, organisations can provide opportunities to recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal people's Culture and Heritage. They also communicate to the broader community the Cultural Heritage of Aboriginal people and promote mutual respect and understanding.