Welcome to Country
A Welcome to Country is provided by the Traditional Custodians of the Aboriginal community/Country that you are located on, to officially welcome visitors onto their ancestral lands. It can only be done by Traditional Custodians of the land you're on. A Welcome to Country usually takes place at the beginning of an event. If no Traditional Custodian is available, a First Nations person from a different nation, or a non-Indigenous person, may do an Acknowledgement of Country instead (please see information below). The ceremony can take many forms, including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies or a speech, depending on the cultural practice of the Traditional Custodians. If you are seeking enquiries regarding requesting a Welcome to Country or would like further information, please contact Indigenous Services.
Acknowledgement of Country
When a Traditional Custodian is not available or present to provide a Welcome to Country, then an Acknowledgment of Country must be conducted. An Acknowledgment of Country can be conducted by any person; non-Indigenous or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is not from the local area. This is the way in which the people can show their respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander land, people, and heritage of the country they are meeting on. A Chair or Speaker begins the meeting or event by providing an Acknowledgment of Country and must be provided before any other formal commencement occurs.
- I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
- I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the [insert local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island Nation]. I pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
