acknowledgement of country in essay

13 Welcome to and Acknowledgement of Country: In Practice

What is a welcome to country.

Have you experienced or seen a Welcome to Country in-person, online or on TV?

A Welcome to Country is a ceremony given by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners or Elders who have been given permission to welcome visitors onto their Traditional land.

Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have been part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. Traditionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups had clear boundaries separating their Country from that of other groups.

Crossing into another group’s Country required a request for permission to enter. When permission was granted, the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey. While visitors were provided with a safe passage, they also had to respect the protocols and rules of the landowner group while on their Country.

Today, these protocols have been adapted to fit with contemporary life. However, the essential elements of welcoming visitors and offering safe passage remain in place. A Welcome to Country by the Traditional Owners of Country gives all of us the opportunity to think deeply about what it means to gain our livelihoods, to nurture our families, and to be on other people’s lands.

Reconciliation Australia advises that in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the meaning of Country is more than just ownership or connection to land, as Professor Mick Dodson explains:

“When we talk about traditional ‘Country’…we mean something beyond the dictionary definition of the word. For Aboriginal Australians…we might mean homeland, or tribal or clan area, and we might mean more than just a place on the map. For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area… It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the title-holders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.”

When do I include a Welcome to Country?

A Welcome to Country usually happens at the beginning of a formal event such as a conference, seminar or festival where people are coming from outside the local area.  A Welcome can take many forms, including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies, or a speech in Traditional language and/or English.

Sometimes there are cultural sensitivities for identifying the Traditional Owners of an area or region, for example, in the Greater Brisbane area.  When this occurs, the Queensland Government Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) advises us to consult with each of the Traditional Owner Groups independently and limit the Welcome to Country to only one of the suggested groups.  Where there are cultural sensitivities, it is recommended to give an Acknowledgement of Country and engage a local Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander group to provide a cultural expression of acknowledging Country.  The expression could be as a poem, song, dance or one of the many varied forms of expression.

You can find a list of the known Traditional Owners for UQ campuses and sites in Part 2: People, Chapter 5.

Welcome to Country Example

Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers Welcome to Country at UQ NAIDOC Festival 2020 Opening Ceremony (YouTube, 16m24s) , Great Court UQ St Lucia Campus.

Have you ever given an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of a meeting, event or presentation?  Perhaps you felt nervous, a little anxious about stumbling on words or getting it wrong… it’s ok, this section will give you some information and examples, and with some practice you might feel more experienced and confident.

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Australia’s Traditional Owners, and for the continuing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land, sea, sky and waterways. An Acknowledgement of Country can be given by an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander or non-Indigenous person, and is generally offered at the beginning of a meeting, speech or formal occasion.

The most appropriate person is the person opening an event, chair of a committee or meeting. Best practice is to not presume that the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person in the room will provide the Acknowledgement of Country. The presence of a non-Indigenous person in the room providing an Acknowledgement of Country shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that non-Indigenous people have given thought to what an Acknowledgement of Country means for them and for the occasion.

An Acknowledgement can be given in person, on teleconferences or through online platforms such as Zoom.  When given through an online platform, the speaker acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Country on which they are located, and extends the acknowledgement to the Traditional Owners of the land on which participants are joining into the conference, meeting or seminar from. The speaker does not need to name each Traditional Owner Group but rather is acknowledging that there are unique and diverse Traditional Owners for areas across the continent and surrounding islands, today known as Australia.

Acknowledgement of Country Examples

Watch this Acknowledgement of Country (YouTube, 2m20s) video to see UQ staff and students acknowledging Country.

To include a spoken Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of an event, meeting or gathering

The University of Queensland recommends a short and longer version for Acknowledging Country.

When to speak a short face-to-face version for Acknowledging Country

You may use the shorter version if you are not the first person to Acknowledge Country or in a more informal setting or thanking a Traditional Owner for welcoming people to Country

I (too,) acknowledge the (* people as) Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we meet today and pay my respect to their Ancestors and their descendants.

When to speak the longer face-to-face version for Acknowledging Country

If you are the main speaker at the event/gathering or the first person to present, it is appropriate to use the longer version for Acknowledging Country.

I acknowledge the (* people as) Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we meet today. On behalf of ** I pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

Suggested wording for acknowledging Country on an online platform e.g. Zoom or Microsoft Teams

I acknowledge the (* people as) Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the land from which I join you today. I acknowledge too the Traditional Owners of the lands from which you are joining into this ***.  On behalf of (**organisation) I pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

Suggested wording for a written Acknowledgement of Country

The authors/ organisation acknowledge/s the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which the authors/ organisation are located. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

Remember to pause briefly after Acknowledging Country as a sign of respect.  If you are more familiar with Acknowledging Country, you may add a statement about the event, meeting or forum’s connection with Country.  For example, at a higher education event, you might acknowledge that the campus has always been a space for teaching, learning, research and collaboration tens of thousands of years before it was established as a UQ campus, and education on Country continues today.

A growing number of publications, websites and email signatures include a written Acknowledgement of Country.  Positioning of the Acknowledgement depends on the format of the document or site.  For example, in a publication, it might appear on the page following copyright advice.

If known, add the Traditional Owners’ language group/ nation/clan.  You can refer to the Traditional Owner Groups of UQ Campuses and Sites guide to identify the Traditional Owners of UQ campuses and sites. You may need to contact the local regional office of DATSIP to understand who the Traditional Custodians are in Queensland.

Why are Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country important?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced a long history of exclusion from Australian history books, the Australian flag, the Australian anthem, and for many years, Australian democracy. This history of dispossession and colonisation lies at the heart of the disparity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians today. Including a formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in events, meetings, and national symbols is one way of ending the exclusion that has been so damaging.

Incorporating Welcoming and Acknowledgement protocols into official meetings and events recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land. It shows an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ongoing connection to place, and shows respect for Traditional Custodians.

Reflection Opportunity

Through deeply reflecting and thinking about the profound connection and belonging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with Country and about your own connection, you can deepen your understanding of acknowledging Country and what it means to you.

• You might begin your research with questions including “If known, who are the Traditional Owners of Country you are acknowledging and what are those communities’ stories? What were the communities’ experiences of colonisation – historically and currently?  Are there local  Community-controlled organisations in the area?”
• You might start to reflect on your own experience with Country with questions including “What is my connection to Country and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a belonging to this Country?  As I’m deepening my understanding, how am I positioned in terms of my heritage and family lines?”
• You might then start to think about “How do I translate these ideas and knowledges into acknowledging Country?”

The Language of Relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Copyright © 2023 by Tracey Bunda; Lynnell Angus; Sybilla Wilson; Mia Strasek-Barker; Kealey Griffiths; Lucas Schober; Thomas Scanlan; Keiko Mishiro; Vanessa Eagles; and Laura Deane is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Acknowledgement of Country

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture it is respectful to formally womin djeka (welcome) people to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander country or land. At RMIT we do this with the following acknowledgement:

  “We would like to acknowledge Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the University stands. We respectfully recognise Elders past and present.”    

At RMIT we recognise and respect the unique culture and contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our communities. We are also proud to provide study, cultural, and personal support to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their learning journey. We womin djeka you to further explore and experience more about Australian Indigenous culture by visiting our Indigenous education centre – Ngarara Willim Centre and interacting with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Research and Writing Skills for Academic and Graduate Researchers Copyright © 2022 by RMIT University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What is an Acknowledgement of Country and how is it different than a Welcome to Country

Written by Cally Jetta, Course Examiner & Lecturer, College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland

Originally published on August 1, 2022, by The Conversation under a CC BY-ND 4.0 Creative Commons License.

Pauline Hanson’s recent dramatic  outburst and walkout  from parliament as an Acknowledgement of Country was delivered has been  condemned  as  racist and ignorant .

Social media sites reporting this incident have attracted a barrage of negative comments perpetuating misconceptions around Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country. Many clearly do not understand what they are and see them as “special treatment”. Unfortunately, Hanson has been a source of this line of thinking around so-called “special treatment”, as seen in her  1996 maiden speech  to parliament.

Such comments reveal an Australian society still burdened with an unfounded resentment and fear of Aboriginal rights and connection to Country.

So, what is an Acknowledgement of Country? How is it different to a Welcome to Country?

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is often made at the start of an event to pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land.

An Acknowledgement often highlights the unique position of First Nations people in the context of culture and history, and their intimate  relationship  with the land.

An Acknowledgement does not exclude anyone. Anyone can deliver one. It costs nothing to give or listen to. You lose nothing from a ten second acknowledgement of the Country, language, and people that existed in a place for tens of thousands of years.

An Acknowledgement does not impact on the rights and status of other Australian people.

What is a Welcome to Country?

Acknowledgement of Country is different to a Welcome to Country. Crucially, only Traditional Owners can deliver a Welcome to Country.

Traditionally, First Nations people travelling to different Country had to seek permission to enter from the Traditional Owners. If granted, permission was given by way of a Welcome to Country.

Today, inviting an Elder to perform a Welcome is a way to recognise unceded Aboriginal sovereignty of ancestral lands. It’s also a way to honour ancient and continuing First Nations customs.

Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy Wandin has  described  Welcome to Country as practised by her people:

When there was a request to visit Country, the Werrigerri (a young man selected by the Elders of the community) would go on behalf of the community under the voice of the Elder, the Nurungeeta. There would be this negotiation and that could take a long time, it could take months. So that is the background of Welcome to Country. It is not a new thing. It is not because our land was dispossessed; it has nothing to do with that. It is all about respect for our culture and who we are. It is paying respect, especially to our ancestors.

Acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country weren’t invented to divide First Nations and non-Indigenous people.

Although both have been widely revived in recent years, they are  traditional protocols . When Aboriginal peoples travel from their own home Country to that of another Aboriginal group, they too acknowledge the traditional custodians.

Similarly, it’s standard practice for a hosting First Nations group to perform a welcome to all visitors – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – as a way of being inclusive and welcoming.

In doing this, Aboriginal people are sharing their culture and social protocols and offering the opportunity to feel a deeper connection to the lands you walk upon and visit.

By learning traditional place names, you unlock important information about the character or features of that place.

Restoring and maintaining connection to Country

Many Aboriginal people have been removed from Country, or can no longer access it through development, private ownership, farming and mining.

The Stolen Generations and mission era systematically worked to eradicate Aboriginal languages and cultural traditions. For many First Nations peoples, Acknowledgement of Country can help to restore some of this severed connection to Country and identity.

As Professor Mick Dodson  explains :

For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories, and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the titleholders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.

For some Aboriginal people, Acknowledgement of Country is a constant reminder of the responsibilities of custodians to advocate for the protection of a fragile environment and its cultural heritage.

It reminds us all Aboriginal languages were the first languages spoken in this country. Many are are still spoken. Acknowledgement of Country brings us together and recognises the shared cultural history and landscape we have all inherited.

Joy Murphy Wandin,  describes  it as:

a very important way of giving Aboriginal people back their place in society, and an opportunity for us to say, “We are real, we are here, and today we welcome you to our land”. It’s paying respect, in a formal sense, and following the traditional custom in a symbolic way.

Understanding what Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country are, and their history and origins can help us recognise the importance and power of continuing these practices.

It’s not about being divisive. It’s about continuing ancient connections to Country, history, and ancestors. It’s a reminder of the responsibility of custodians to the land and its creatures; to protect and look after them.

It’s about honouring and being respectful towards a custom and way of thought much older than the name or concept of “Australia” as a nation state, or any sitting of parliament.

What is an Acknowledgement of Country and how is it different than a Welcome to Country Copyright © by Leonard Owens III; Tim Bishop; and Scott Ortolano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What is an Acknowledgement of Country and how is it different to a Welcome to Country?

Course examiner and lecturer; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland

Disclosure statement

Cally Jetta works for UniSQ. She is a co-founder of the Blackfulla Revolution social media site and current co-admin of 'Connecting with Country' Facebook page.

University of Southern Queensland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

View all partners

Pauline Hanson’s recent dramatic outburst and walkout from parliament as an Acknowledgement of Country was delivered has been condemned as racist and ignorant .

Social media sites reporting this incident have attracted a barrage of negative comments perpetuating misconceptions around Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country. Many clearly do not understand what they are and see them as “special treatment”. Unfortunately, Hanson has been a source of this line of thinking around so-called “special treatment”, as seen in her 1996 maiden speech to parliament.

Such comments reveal an Australian society still burdened with an unfounded resentment and fear of Aboriginal rights and connection to Country.

So, what is an Acknowledgement of Country? How is it different to a Welcome to Country?

Read more: The courage to feel uncomfortable: what Australians need to learn to achieve real reconciliation

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is often made at the start of an event to pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land.

An Acknowledgement often highlights the unique position of First Nations people in the context of culture and history, and their intimate relationship with the land.

An Acknowledgement does not exclude anyone. Anyone can deliver one. It costs nothing to give or listen to. You lose nothing from a ten second acknowledgement of the Country, language, and people that existed in a place for tens of thousands of years.

An Acknowledgement does not impact on the rights and status of other Australian people.

Read more: 'Don't read the comments': misinformed and malicious comments stifle Indigenous voices

What is a Welcome to Country?

Acknowledgement of Country is different to a Welcome to Country. Crucially, only Traditional Owners can deliver a Welcome to Country.

Traditionally, First Nations people travelling to different Country had to seek permission to enter from the Traditional Owners. If granted, permission was given by way of a Welcome to Country.

Today, inviting an Elder to perform a Welcome is a way to recognise unceded Aboriginal sovereignty of ancestral lands. It’s also a way to honour ancient and continuing First Nations customs.

Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy Wandin has described Welcome to Country as practised by her people:

When there was a request to visit Country, the Werrigerri (a young man selected by the Elders of the community) would go on behalf of the community under the voice of the Elder, the Nurungeeta. There would be this negotiation and that could take a long time, it could take months. So that is the background of Welcome to Country. It is not a new thing. It is not because our land was dispossessed; it has nothing to do with that. It is all about respect for our culture and who we are. It is paying respect, especially to our ancestors.

Acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country weren’t invented to divide First Nations and non-Indigenous people.

Although both have been widely revived in recent years, they are traditional protocols . When Aboriginal peoples travel from their own home Country to that of another Aboriginal group, they too acknowledge the traditional custodians.

Similarly, it’s standard practice for a hosting First Nations group to perform a welcome to all visitors – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – as a way of being inclusive and welcoming.

In doing this, Aboriginal people are sharing their culture and social protocols and offering the opportunity to feel a deeper connection to the lands you walk upon and visit.

By learning traditional place names, you unlock important information about the character or features of that place.

Read more: Creating a constitutional Voice – the words that could change Australia

Restoring and maintaining connection to Country

Many Aboriginal people have been removed from Country, or can no longer access it through development, private ownership, farming and mining.

The Stolen Generations and mission era systematically worked to eradicate Aboriginal languages and cultural traditions. For many First Nations peoples, Acknowledgement of Country can help to restore some of this severed connection to Country and identity.

As Professor Mick Dodson explains :

For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories, and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the titleholders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.

For some Aboriginal people, Acknowledgement of Country is a constant reminder of the responsibilities of custodians to advocate for the protection of a fragile environment and its cultural heritage.

It reminds us all Aboriginal languages were the first languages spoken in this country. Many are are still spoken. Acknowledgement of Country brings us together and recognises the shared cultural history and landscape we have all inherited.

Joy Murphy Wandin, describes it as:

a very important way of giving Aboriginal people back their place in society, and an opportunity for us to say, “We are real, we are here, and today we welcome you to our land”. It’s paying respect, in a formal sense, and following the traditional custom in a symbolic way.

Understanding what Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country are, and their history and origins can help us recognise the importance and power of continuing these practices.

It’s not about being divisive. It’s about continuing ancient connections to Country, history, and ancestors. It’s a reminder of the responsibility of custodians to the land and its creatures; to protect and look after them.

It’s about honouring and being respectful towards a custom and way of thought much older than the name or concept of “Australia” as a nation state, or any sitting of parliament.

• Pauline Hanson
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Land acknowledgment
• First Nations people

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We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who watch over us and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgement of Country is a way to acknowledge and pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land. 

Acknowledgements are often made at the start of an event — such as a meeting, speech or formal occasion. An acknowledgement can be made by anybody — First Nations or non-Indigenous. An Acknowledgement of Country will often highlight the unique position of First Nations people in the context of culture and history, and their intimate relationship with the land. 

There are many ways to make an Acknowledgement of Country. It can be spoken, written, or signed (Auslan — sign language). The words can vary and people are encouraged to do an Acknowledgement in a way that is personal and specific to place. It’s easy to copy an already scripted Acknowledgement, but it’s more meaningful to write one in your voice. 

Writing an Acknowledgement of Country

Start by thinking about the Country you are on. You can use the AIATSIS map to find the Nation or language group where you live. For more detailed information, you can ask the local community how they would like to be acknowledged. We recommend contacting your local AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group), Aboriginal Land Council, Traditional Owner group and/or your local council.

Now think about what is special about this Country. Are you by the coast on saltwater Country? Are there mountains or rivers? Are you surrounded by dense rainforest? You can thank First Nations people for caring for these environments and ecosystems in your Acknowledgment of Country.

In the Sydney CBD, the Traditional Owners are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. So if you’re in Sydney your Acknowledgement of Country might look like this:

“We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Country we are meeting on today. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people present today.”

You may also wish to include a sentence about how First Nations sovereignty was never ceded. For example (Perth region):

“We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, the Whadjuk people of Noongar Boodjar. We recognise their continued connection to the land and waters of this beautiful place, and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty. We respect all Whadjuk Elders and Ancestors, and any First Nations people here today.”

Acknowledgement checklist

☐ Name and acknowledge the specific Country/Nation/language group.

☐ Identify the Traditional Custodians and their continued connection to their land/s.

☐ Thank the Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.

☐ Make your Acknowledgement specific to place: are you on desert Country? Are you on an island? Are there any sacred sites with traditional names you can mention?

☐ Pay respect to the Elders and Ancestors of the Country you are on, and also to any First Nations people present/listening.

☐ Recognise that First Nations sovereignty was never ceded. This continent always was and always will be First Nations land.

Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country is done by a local Traditional Owner or Elder who holds the authority and knowledge to share a welcome from a particular local region. This can be done through speech, dance, song or ceremony.

Welcome to Country is an important ceremony that has been practiced by the First Nations for thousands of generations. Traditionally, First Nations people travelling to different Country had to seek permission to enter from the Traditional Owners. If granted, permission was given as a Welcome to Country. 

Today, inviting an Elder to perform a Welcome is a way to recognise their unceded sovereignty of ancestral lands. It’s also a way to honour ancient and continuing First Nations customs. It’s important to ensure the Elder is comfortable with the arrangements. Talk together to decide the format of the ceremony and how the person performing the Welcome will be recognised and remunerated for their time and commitment.

Connecting with an Elder or Traditional Owner can sometimes be a complex process. Following cultural protocol is important and may include allowing time for customary decision-making and discussion among traditional custodians. Begin by contacting your local Aboriginal Land Council or Traditional Owner group. If you need more guidance, contact your local council.

Yuin man Jade Kennedy says a Welcome to Country goes beyond welcoming people to a specific place. It’s also about welcoming people to the kinship, culture and connectedness of that place. When he does a Welcome to Country, he welcomes people to his journey.

When I welcome you — when our Aunties and Uncles welcome you — we are welcoming you to a place. But we’re actually welcoming you to the intimate relationship we have to that place. We’re also welcoming you to our kin. We’re welcoming you to the significant relationships we have with the people of our place. We’re welcoming you to our roles, responsibilities and obligations, that keep us connected and bound through these people, to our place.

— Yuin man Jade Kennedy

Why is it important.

Bangerang man, Scott Kneebone , says “a Welcome to Country is like you’re hosting a birthday: you do a welcome and say thank you for coming to my birthday. And an Acknowledgement of Country is like if you’re a guest at the birthday: you would say thank you for having me.”

First Nations people in Australia have experienced significant exclusion from mainstream society since the beginning of colonisation. Many non-Indigenous Australians have not had the opportunity to engage with the rich cultures and stories of First Nations people in meaningful ways. This contributes to the divide between non-Indigenous and First Nations people, and limits opportunities for learning and connection. 

Acknowledging Country, or asking an Elder to perform a Welcome to Country, recognises First Nations people as the original custodians. Importantly, it promotes awareness of the histories and cultures of First Nations people, and the resilience of our connection to Country .

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We are a First Nations not-for-profit that exists to centre First Nations people, knowledge and cultures. We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who watch over us and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

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Acknowledgement of Country

James Cook University is committed to building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships that work towards closing the employment, health and education gap for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our students come from many backgrounds, promoting a rich cultural and experiential diversity on campus.  We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait  Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Australian lands and waters where our staff and students live, learn and work. We honour the unique cultural and spiritual relationship to the land, waters and seas of First Australian peoples and their continuing and rich contribution to James Cook University and Australian society. We also pay respect to ancestors and Elders past and present.

An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students Copyright © 2023 by Faith Alele and Bunmi Malau-Aduli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Why an Acknowledgement of Country is important (and advice on how to give one)

By Molly Hunt

• X (formerly Twitter)

Over the years, Welcomes to and Acknowledgements of Country have become a lot more known in Australia. As a First Nation person myself, this has given me hope to us as people getting the recognition we deserve.

Welcomes and Acknowledgements bring awareness to First Nation people being the custodians of the land.

So how do you do an Acknowledgement of Country? And how can you do it well?

Firstly, let's explain the difference between an Acknowledgment and a Welcome to Country, because they're not the same thing.

Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country is a traditional ceremony given by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elders. Welcomes are also performed by Traditional owners that elders have given permission to.

This is a tradition that has been practiced in Aboriginal culture for thousands of years.

Australia is made up of many different tribes with different land areas. In the old days, tribes that wanted to pass through another tribe's country needed permission to do so and had to be welcomed through. Usually a welcome involves dancing and singing.

Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgment can be given by an Indigenous or non-Indigenous person. It's an opportunity to introduce yourself and to show the respect you have for the country, the people and water you're on.

Unlike a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgment usually involves a speech.

Scott Kneebone, a Bangerang man based in Canberra, has found an easy way to explain the difference between the two.

He uses this simple explanation with kids:

"A Welcome to Country is like if you're hosting a birthday: you do a welcome and say thank you for coming to my birthday. "And an Acknowledge of Country is like if you're a guest at the birthday: you would say thank you for having me."

Scott has been a presenter with Ask Me Anything, a community organisation that promotes understanding and inclusion through conversation.

He tells me a Welcome is more of an obligation — it's to protect your guest physically and in a spiritual sense as well. An Acknowledgments is an obligation to respect the people's land and water you are on.

Why giving an Acknowledgement is important

"It's about showing respect!" says Cissy Gore-Birch. She works for Bush Heritage, a not-for-profit organisation that conserves lands and partners with Aboriginal people.

Cissy is a part of the Balanggarra/Jaru/Gija nation in the East Kimberley.

While you might be used to giving or hearing an Acknowledgement at the beginning of a meeting, event or something formal, Cissy sees it as an important part of her personal life as well.

"I'll introduce to my kids the importance of acknowledging whose land we are visiting to show respect and understand the First Nation people," she says.

First Nation people have been experiencing exclusion, discrimination and oppression for so long. Aboriginal people weren't even classed as human beings not so long ago, so being recognised as the true custodians of the land with an Acknowledgement shows we've come a long way.

"It's a sign of respect that things are changing," says David Kurnoth, from the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, which represents the Larrakia people in the Northern Territory by protecting the land, people, country, language, law and culture.

"The government acknowledges that there is a connection between the Traditional owners and the land itself, which allows the Traditional Owners to have a place at the table and to make decisions about their country."

How to give one with meaning

"It's very much up to the discretion of the person doing it," says Scott about when to do an Acknowledgement of Country.

"It needs to be earnest, more than anything else."

As well as spoken Acknowledgements of Country at events or gatherings, they can also be written and be part of email signatures, featured on websites and signs at the entrances of businesses and homes.

So, how can you write a good Acknowledgment of Country?

After talking to Cissy and Scott I've jotted down a few steps to help you write one.

• 1. Find out whose land you're on. Do your research and be specific.
• 2. Show respect. Be earnest and genuine.
• 3. Adapt to suit your context. It's easy to download an already scripted acknowledgment , try to write one in your voice.
• 4. Be confident. Speak with purpose.
• 5. Avoid using past tense. We are still here.
• 6. Use correct terminology. Don't use 'Aborigines'. It is a derogatory word.
• 7. Breathe. Take your time.

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Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country recognise the continuing connection First Nations people have to their land.

You may have attended an event and heard a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country. It’s important to understand what these are and what the difference is between the two. Knowing this helps us understand why these practices continue today.

These practices aren’t new – they’ve been part of First Nations cultures across this continent for many thousands of years and are of great significance to many First Nations people.

Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country recognise the continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to their land. You can learn more about connection to Country here .

"(Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country) is a very important way of giving Aboriginal people back their place in society … It's paying respect, in a formal sense, and following traditional custom in a symbolic way.”   [1] Joy Murphy Wandin – Wurundjeri Elder.

What’s a Welcome to Country?

A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Traditional Custodians  to welcome visitors to their ancestral land. It can only be done by Traditional Custodians of the land you're on. 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. A Welcome to Country usually takes place at the beginning of an event. The ceremony can take many forms, including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies or a speech, depending on the particular culture of Traditional Custodians.

How to arrange a Welcome to Country

To arrange a Welcome to Country you’ll need to get in touch with Traditional Custodians of the land you’re on (or will be on for the event). Remember, there are many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations across Australia. You may be able to find out who Traditional Custodians in your area are by visiting your local council website.

When you know who local Traditional Custodians are, you can make contact through a local First Nations organisation or land council. Contact the person or organisation early, allowing plenty of time for discussions.

Payment is generally required. The organisation you book the Welcome to Country through should be able to advise you on this.

What are the origins of a Welcome to Country?

Welcome to Country is a tradition that‘s practised when one First Nations community seeks permission to enter another clan’s ancestral land. The ceremony varies from clan to clan.

Joy Murphy Wandin describes Welcome to Country as it’s practised by her People, Wurundjeri People:

“When there was a request to visit Country, the Werrigerri (a young man selected by the Elders of the community) would go on behalf of the community under the voice of the Elder, the Nurungeeta. There would be this negotiation and that could take a long time, it could take months. Everything could take a long time in traditional Aboriginal culture …

When agreement was reached with the Wurundjeri, when you came to Country, first of all you must accept the law of the land, and that was about respect that contained all things.

The other thing was that you could only stay for a short time. Why …? Because our people were seasonal travellers … you knew what resources were available, you knew how to get them, you knew how long they would last. So that staying here with us was about sharing … but sharing it with your neighbouring community that could be twice your size was a big effort.

The traditional ceremonies were quite big. The Yarnabool (visiting communities) would come with bark torches in their hand … to cleanse that journey, ‘swept away’ as my mother would say. And so, when they came onto Country there (was) a set up of two fires, and the eucalyptus around were used as gifts … Then the two Nurungeetas would come together at the fires, they would exchange whatever was necessary … and then there would be a big celebration. … It was a very long process and a very beautiful process.

So that is the background of Welcome to Country. It is not a new thing. It is not … because our land was dispossessed; it has nothing to do with that. It is all about respect for our culture and who we are. It is paying respect, especially to our ancestors.”

What’s an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement that shows awareness of and respect for Traditional Custodians of the land you’re on and their long and continuing relationship with the land. Unlike a Welcome to Country, it can be delivered by a First Nations person or non-Indigenous person.

Acknowledgements of Country can take place at the beginning of events. They can also be printed in publications and websites, and on signs; for example, near the entrance of your site.

Suggested words to use

An Acknowledgement of Country commonly involves saying something along the following lines:

“I’d like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on traditional lands of (appropriate group) people of the (name of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander nation) nation, and pay my respects to Elders both past and present.”

Personalising and localising an acknowledgement helps to make it as meaningful as possible. When preparing your acknowledgement, take time to find out a bit about the local First Nations people, land and history. Be aware that not all land borders are agreed upon by everyone, and there could be tensions between neighbouring groups regarding land boundaries as a result of colonisation. If this is the case in your area, we recommend you make a general statement such as:

“I’d like to acknowledge Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today. I’d also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present.”

If you’re not sure if an acknowledgement is appropriate, or if the words you’ve chosen are appropriate, speak to your local First Nations organisation or land council.

For more information about Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, see Reconciliation Australia's factsheet,  Acknowledgement of Country and  Welcome to Country .

Understanding Ceremony

We asked some First Nations leaders to share how they’ve grappled with some of the common topics people are unsure about, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

Language and Terminology Guide

Helpful tips to promote respectful conversation, dispel myths and increase awareness and understanding.

• 1. Keynoteworthyau (2 July 2019) 'The significance of Welcome to Country: why every event should have one', Keynoteworthy website, accessed 24 May 2022.

Acknowledgement of Country

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

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Spirituality

Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are important Aboriginal ceremonies. But what are the differences, who can provide one, and which words should you use?

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Aboriginal protocols of respect.

If you participated in an activity that involved Aboriginal people you might have experienced a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country .

Both are protocols that precede the activity. They recognise the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history and show respect for Aboriginal people.

Traditionally, a Welcome to Country was an invitation or permission for a person from a different area to pass through or enter. Doing so without it was unacceptable.

Both ceremonies also acknowledge the land as a living entity – one reason why 'Country' is often capitalised.

Why is a Welcome or Acknowledgement important?

Incorporating a Welcome or Acknowledgement protocol into official meetings and events shows that you recognise Aboriginal people as the First Australians and custodians of their land. It demonstrates that you, or your organisation, are aware of the past and ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to place and land.

In a business context it shows your organisation's commitment to inclusion and diversity for staff and sends a strong message to future (Aboriginal) applicants. [2]

Unlike New Zealand, Canada and the United States, Australia has no treaty with its Aboriginal people.

A Welcome to, or Acknowledgement of, Country doesn’t replace a treaty, native title or land rights, but they are a small gesture of recognition of the association with land and place of Aboriginal people and their history .

If you are planning to include a Welcome to Country, or do an Acknowledgement of Country, make sure to consult with Aboriginal people of the community where the event takes place. This way you ensure that the ceremony pays the appropriate level of recognition and involves the right people.

Acknowledgements of country and traditional owners are something that decent non-Indigenous people give, not because they feel pushed into it but because they believe it is the right thing to do. — Koori Mail editorial [3]

Acknowledgement of Country

An 'Acknowledgement of Country' is a way where any person can show awareness and respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage and the ongoing relationship the traditional custodians have with their land. [4]

Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people can perform 'Acknowledgement of Country'. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the traditional custodians of the land (or sea) where the event, meeting, school function or conference takes place. It can be formal or informal.

Note that an acknowledgement does not mean you're asking for permission to be on Aboriginal land. For that you'll have to contact an Aboriginal Land Council .

More and more publications permanently include an Acknowledgement, for example the Australian Book Review . [5]

Tips for an Acknowledgement of Country

Below I have compiled a selection of examples from which you can choose a text that suits your needs. Here are some tips for the wording of an Acknowledgement of Country:

• 'Custodians' or 'owners'? Both terms are in use. 'Custodians' reminds of the ongoing obligation to look after country, and that Aboriginal people don't own the land, but it owns them. 'Owner' reminds that their land was never formally ceded to anyone and of Australia's history of denying ownership and Aboriginal people's sovereignty over their lands. Some Aboriginal organisations refer to 'traditional owners' (TOs) themselves while others dislike the term. A descendant of the Aboriginal people of the Mackay Region told me that he "prefer[s] to be identified as a Traditional Custodian and not a Traditional Owner as I do not own the land but I care for the land." [6]
• Include both groups. Always use "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders" to include both distinct First Nations groups.
• Know the nation. Research the correct First Nation on whose ground you do the acknowledgement. If there is a known dispute about boundaries (which happens occasionally) choose a more neutral form.
• Practices pronounciation. The spelling of a First Nation and the pronounciation of the word can be vastly different to common English pronounciation rules.
• Respect Elders. I've capitalised "Elders" as a sign of respect.
• Include land. Always include a reference to Aboriginal land.
• Be personal. I've used “I” rather than the organisation’s name, or "we", to make the acknowledgement more personal. (It's a single person speaking, after all.)
• Only do it once per session. If you have, for example, multiple speakers following each other, just have the first acknowledge First Nations peoples. There is no need that every single speaker gives an Acknowledgement of Country.
• Write your own version. In my experience, First Nations people like acknowledgements which are personal and individual. It shows that you took the time to be specific. Include what matters most to you, be specific to the place and occasion and any First Nations peoples who are present.

We would encourage you to inform yourself and reach out rather than just list nations you have been told or searched on Google. — Dr Marcus Woolombi Waters, Kamilaroi man and senior lecturer at Griffith University [7]

Using Zoom or Skype? Then your audience is most likely spread across different Aboriginal nations' lands. Ensure to be inclusive, e.g. with "Traditional Owners of the lands we meet on today" and acknowledge "any Aboriginal people joining us today".

Avoid using " emerging leaders " as there is significant discomfort within the First Nations community with that term (e.g. who defines the "emerging" leader? Who is a leader?).

Tip: Get the Acknowledgement of Country cheat sheet for a handy cut-out acknowledgement already prepared for you!

Story: The first Acknowledgement

A woman of my subscriber community was surprised and impressed by what happened at an event she was attending:

"Last weekend I went to a family wedding. Of course it was beautiful and special to everyone there.

"The ceremony started with an Acknowledgement of Country. A few of us admitted afterwards that this was the first time we’d experienced an Acknowledgement of Country at a wedding.

"As we were standing outside in a really lovely part of the Southern Highlands in NSW, it was a timely reminder of the traditional owners of the country. Maybe this could become a common part of such important events?"

Spoken, Aboriginal nation known

Replace [Aboriginal group/clan] with the name of the Aboriginal group (e.g. "Gadigal people") and [Aboriginal nation] with the nation's name (e.g. "Eora").

Spoken, Aboriginal nation not known

Printed publications.

To include an acknowledgement on a printed document, ideally it should be placed on the inside front cover, standing alone, in a place of significance.

Websites and emails

An increasing number of businesses affix signs to entry areas of their premises. Here's a sample wording:

Government, organisations and even small groups are adopting the practice of acknowledging the traditional owners.

For more information contact the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. The Sydney Morning Herald offers a video with a few sample acknowledgements .

Inspiration

Here are some acknowledgements from websites that can help you formulate your own. If you found a good one, let me know.

"We at CHOICE acknowledge the Gadigal people, the traditional custodians of this land on which we work, and pay our respects to the First Nations people of this country. CHOICE supports the First Nations people's Uluru Statement from the Heart." (choice.com.au)

"Yes23.com.au acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present." (yes23.com.au)

'Acknowledgement of Country' by Jonathan Hill

Jonathan Hill is a poet living in New South Wales. [9]

Some politicians have voiced concern that the 'Acknowledgement of Country' was an "empty" gesture of political correctness and looked "like tokenism" if it was performed too often [10] . The Victorian Premier decided to scrap a requirement for ministers and departmental staff to acknowledge traditional owners in May 2011 [11] .

Government policies which force departments to do 'Acknowledgement of Country' and have 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies performed undermine the genuine gesture and make it "feel false", argues Sue Gordon, a retired West Australian magistrate [10] .

The Aboriginal community does not share these views.

David Ross, director of the Central Land Council, feels that one should not ignore the "existence and ownership of this land by Aboriginal people before European settlement" and acknowledge the black history with the ritual. Opposing 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies would encourage racist elements within the community.

"Our own view is that welcomes to and acknowledgements of country—if conducted in a meaningful , genuine and thoughtful way—are the least we should be able to expect from our visitors to our land," say the editors of the Koori Mail [3] .

I think it's fantastic [to do Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies], ten years ago we weren't even acknowledged. — Warren Mundine, Indigenous business leader [10]

[Acknowledgement of Country] says to the world, and more importantly to ourselves, that we accept the fact we are in a place that has a history and story far beyond 220 years. It says to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fellow Australians that we are all in the future journey of our country together. — Richard Wynne, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Victoria [12]

Welcome to Country

A 'Welcome to Country' is a small ceremony where traditional custodians , usually Elders or a recognised spokesperson, welcome people to their land.

This is a significant recognition and is made through a formal process , although it's up to the Elder how they decide to carry out the ceremony. It also depends on the location of the event and the practice of the Aboriginal community which can vary greatly according to region.

During a 'Welcome to Country' the Elder welcomes those in attendance, guests, staff or students to their Country. It might be just a simple speech or a performance of some sort, like a song, traditional dance, a didgeridoo piece or any combination of these.

'Welcome to Country' should always occur at the opening of the event in question, preferable as the first item. Note that a 'Welcome to Country' is often considered a right and not a privilege .

Protocols for welcoming visitors to country have been a part of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years .

Despite the absence of fences or visible borders, Aboriginal groups had clear boundaries separating their country from that of other groups. Crossing into another group’s country required a request for permission to enter — like gaining a visa — and when that permission was granted the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage [13] .

In modern Australia, the 'Welcome to Country' ceremony was first conducted at an official ceremony in 1999 during the NSW Supreme Court's 175th anniversary, arranged by Chief Justice James Spigelman. [14]

In parliament it was first introduced at the start of parliament in 2008 and now forms a regular element of Australian political process . [15] Find a Local Aboriginal Land Council to help you organise a Welcome to Country.

Welcomes [to country]… are what traditional owners give—if they so desire. There should be no expectation or demand for this to be the case. — Koori Mail [3]

In 2019, Canberra Airport added a Welcome To Country to its international terminal, spoken in Ngunnawal, the traditional Aboriginal language of the ACT region, and translated to English.

In 2015, Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks were ushered in for the first time with a huge Aboriginal Welcome to Country ceremony, putting local Gadigal, Wangal and Gamaragal traditions front and centre in the global new year celebrations.

Welcome to Country can be bittersweet

Bev Manton , chairperson of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), explains how giving a Welcome to Country can be bittersweet. [16]

"A Welcome to Country is about Aboriginal people acknowledging the past, and looking to the future. It is often delivered by an Aboriginal person who has themselves been the victim of government policies.

"Our Elders do the Welcome to Country as an act of generosity. These are the same people who have had their children taken away , or been removed themselves. They're the same people who had their wages stolen by successive governments. They're the same people who had ancestors remains raided by grave robbers. They're the same people who were disposed from their lands and forced on to missions and reserves.

"And yet despite all of these terrible events—despite the horrendous treatment by so many parliaments—these very same people are still prepared to say 'welcome' to the very people who in some cases have presided over the oppression."

For Michael Ghillar Anderson , Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic in northern NSW, a Welcome means allowing too much. [17]

"How serious can one be with a Welcome [to Country], when you are paid to Welcome them to Country? That cannot be serious at all. It’s a money-making venture, a community income stream, without any real substance and meaning, but the invaders take it seriously, even though they pay you.

"Once you welcome them to country, whether you mean it or not, in their world you are opening the door and letting them in and what is your’s becomes their's. Right now their only legitimacy on country is when they are welcomed in."

Charles (Mibunj) Moran , a Bundjalung elder from northern NSW, explains how a Welcome respects past generations: "When we have our Welcome to Country our custodians/Elders pay respect to custodians past and present as well as Elders past and present.

"Spiritually, this is showing respect for the country and the custodians who are responsible for taking care of the country where we live... So what our custodians are doing is trying to give respect back into the country." [18]

I have come to learn that the Welcome to Country ceremony is such an important aspect of Indigenous Australia… They're unique and special and, in essence, a respectful gesture from the traditional peoples to all people, visitors and friends. — Matiu Paki, a Maori from the North Island of New Zealand [19]

Story: Traditional welcome: Entering country the proper way

Read how a Ngarinyin tribal elder explained a traditional welcome to country [20] : "Before whitefellas came, it was the tradition of Aboriginals that when strangers came into their particular country to hunt or to gather, or to just pass through on their way to other places, that the host Aboriginals would go out to welcome them.

When they met, there would be the formalities of greeting. Part of the ceremony of welcome would be the men sitting around and talking men’s business whilst the host women would take the visiting women and children to a women’s site to talk women’s business.

When this was completed, the two groups would join again and the men would hunt for kangaroo, goannas or bush turkey - and the women would prepare an area for eating and would gather firewood and berries, fruit, nuts and lily roots for a meal.

Then the ceremonies—the corroborees or jumbas would commence—and the dancing, the singing around the fire could well go on, not only all night, but sometimes for many nights in a row. Each jumba with a message—each with its own story—men, women and children taking part. Whilst during the day, the visiting tribe would be taken and shown the sites of significance and be told the stories of the spirit of the land they would be passing,

In this way, the hosts believed that by the end of formalities, when the strangers were ready to move on - they would not be considered strangers but friends who now had the spirit of the country in their hearts—they carried the Wunggud with them—just like the people who lived there.

They believed that once the spirit of the land was in their hearts, then those people would never damage the land - they would love it and care for it like those whose home country it was..."

Can a welcome or acknowledgement help Aboriginal people?

Aboriginal people are disadvantaged in many areas of their life as statistics show.

But what can be done, alongside efforts in health, education and employment, are practices of inclusion. Including recognition of Aboriginal people in events, meetings and national symbols shows your respect, and respect is a good base on which Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians can come closer and eventually reconcile .

Haven't Aboriginal people lost their land?

All areas of Australia have or had traditional owners, including where there are now large cities.

Even though Aboriginal people may not live in a traditional way on this land, they are still connected to it.

In Aboriginal culture, the meaning of country is more than just ownership or connection to land, as Aboriginal Professor Mick Dodson explains:

"When we talk about traditional ‘country’... we mean something beyond the dictionary definition of the word. For Aboriginal Australians...we might mean homeland, or tribal or clan area and we might mean more than just a place on the map. For us, country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains." [13]

Story: Welcoming babies to country

Across Australia, Aboriginal families are reviving the tradition of welcoming new babies to country.

They smear the baby's face with ochre, fit a headband made by aunties, and gift them an animal skin, similar to one that would have been used generations ago to wrap newborns. [21]

The purpose of this ceremony is to kick-start a cultural understanding for their children, to start a sense of identity which was denied to many Aboriginal people. Culture protects families and individuals and, so the hope, can reduce the number of children who are removed from their families, a government practice that continues today .

The ceremony has the support of First 1000 Days Australia , a movement that aims to strengthen Aboriginal families so they can support their children from pregnancy to two years of age in health and wellbeing.

Further resources

Reconciliation Australia has put together a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies .

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How to Acknowledge Country in a meaningful way

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The Point: Referendum Road Trip

Acknowledgement Of Country: Honouring Indigenous Custodians And Fostering Cultural Understanding

Disclaimer: It is important to acknowledge that as a writer from a privileged country (Germany), my perspective may be limited in fully understanding the experiences and complexities surrounding Acknowledgement of Country and Indigenous cultures. I approach this topic with humility, recognizing the need to listen, learn, and amplify Indigenous voices. I encourage readers to seek additional sources, engage directly with Indigenous communities, and prioritise diverse perspectives to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

Here are sources to start your learn about the Acknowledgement of Country and (Australian) Indigenous cultures:

indigenous.gov.au

Reconciliation Australia

Australians Together

Music brings us together. While writing this article, I listened to this album with traditional Aboriginal music. I invite you to connect with the ancient culture through their music.

This article is part of a concept, mindset and action trilogy. The importance of the topic allowed me to gradually develop the content. You have access to the other two articles via the links below:

Mindset: Understanding Acknowledgement Of Country As Non-Indigeneous

Action: Practice Acknowledgement Of Country Beyond Australia: Global Significance

Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country

Imagine standing at the edge of a sun-hugged landscape, surrounded by vast stretches of red earth and ancient trees whispering stories of resilience. The air carries a gentle breeze, carrying the echoes of an ancient culture.

This is Australia, a land of incredible beauty and profound history, where the practice of Acknowledgement of Country has taken root.

As a German living in Australia, I found myself captivated by this cultural custom that was unfamiliar to me. It was during my first corporate role, that at the beginning of an online event, I experienced my first Acknowledgement of Country as the facilitators acknowledged the custodianship of the Indigenous peoples, their rich heritage, and their ongoing connection to country.

This experience sparked a curiosity within me — to explore the profound interweaving of Acknowledgement of Country with sustainable practices, not from an environmental standpoint, but through a social lens.

How does this simple act of recognition contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious society? How does it foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and their intrinsic relationship with the land? How can working alongside First Nations communities lead to better relationships and outcomes in sustainable development practices?

Let us approach this topic with sensitivity and empathy, embracing the lessons it offers and paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Understanding Acknowledgement of Country

We begin with grasping the roots of Indigenous culture and the profound significance of land and connection to country.

For Australia’s First Nations peoples, the land is not merely a physical space, but a spiritual and cultural entity intricately woven into their identity. Moreover, it represents thousands of years of wisdom, traditions, and custodianship passed down through generations.

Indigenous communities across Australia have maintained a deep respect for the land, understanding its interconnectedness with all living beings. They possess an intimate knowledge of sustainable practices, shaped by a deep understanding of ecological systems.

From fire management techniques that promote regeneration to sustainable harvesting practices that ensure resources endure, Indigenous cultures have long recognized the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

Acknowledgement of Country serves as a symbolic gesture of recognizing and honouring the Traditional Owners, the custodians of the land. It is a way to pay respect to their ongoing relationship with country and acknowledge the injustices they have faced. By taking a moment to pause and reflect upon the traditional custodianship, we actively contribute to the process of reconciliation and cultural understanding.

In the following sections, we will explore the intricate relationship between Acknowledgement of Country and sustainable practices. Together, we will uncover how this practice intertwines with efforts to protect and preserve our environment while fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Environmental Sustainability and Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country goes beyond a symbolic gesture—it holds a deep connection to environmental sustainability, rooted in Indigenous culture and knowledge. Indeed, Indigenous communities have long recognized that the health of the land is intricately linked to the well-being of all its inhabitants, including humans.

Indigenous Perspectives on Land Management and Conservation

Indigenous cultures possess a wealth of traditional ecological knowledge accumulated over centuries. They understand the intricate balance of ecosystems and the importance of sustainable land management practices.

This knowledge encompasses techniques such as controlled burning to regenerate landscapes, protecting vital water sources, and cultivating native plants for food and medicinal purposes. Acknowledgement of Country acknowledges and honours these sustainable practices.

Promoting Environmental Awareness and Action

The act of Acknowledgement of Country can serve as a catalyst for environmental awareness and action. By recognising and valuing Indigenous knowledge and practices, we foster a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Likewise, it encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with the environment and prompts us to take meaningful steps towards sustainable living, conservation efforts, and responsible land stewardship.

Indigenous-Led Conservation and Land Rights

Acknowledgement of Country also amplifies the importance of supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and recognizing Indigenous land rights. Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of conservation efforts, advocating for the protection of their ancestral lands and the preservation of biodiversity.

By acknowledging the Traditional Owners, we acknowledge their custodial role and the need for collaborative partnerships that empower Indigenous communities in environmental decision-making processes.

Land and Climate Justice

Acknowledgement of Country aligns with the principles of land and climate justice. It prompts us to confront the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in relation to land dispossession, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, it compels us to actively address these issues and work towards equitable solutions that prioritize Indigenous voices and knowledge in shaping sustainable practices and policies.

By integrating Acknowledgement of Country into our daily lives, institutions, and environmental initiatives, we not only honour the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples but also foster a deeper connection to the land and inspire sustainable practices for the benefit of current and future generations.

Social Perspective and Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country goes beyond its environmental implications; it holds immense value from a social perspective, promoting cultural understanding, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

Cultural Understanding and Reconciliation

Acknowledgement of Country serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and histories. Additionally, it prompts non-Indigenous individuals and communities to learn about the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of the land they are standing on.

By acknowledging the Traditional Owners, we acknowledge their resilience and ongoing contributions to society, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and reconciliation.

Social Cohesion and Community Engagement

The act of Acknowledgement of Country can strengthen social cohesion by creating a shared sense of belonging and inclusivity. It recognises the diversity of people and cultures within a community and encourages active engagement with Indigenous peoples.

Besides, it provides a platform for collaboration and dialogue, bringing people together to work towards common goals, fostering empathy, and building stronger, more connected communities.

Valuing Diverse Perspectives

Acknowledgement of Country encourages us to recognise and value diverse perspectives, challenging dominant narratives and promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, it reminds us that the history, knowledge, and experiences of Indigenous peoples are integral to our collective understanding of the world.

By actively engaging with Indigenous cultures and acknowledging their contributions, we cultivate a society that celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes, and embraces the richness of Indigenous knowledge and wisdom.

Education and Awareness

Acknowledgement of Country plays a crucial role in education and raising awareness about Indigenous histories, cultures, and ongoing struggles. It provides an opportunity to embed Indigenous perspectives into educational curricula, ensuring that future generations develop a deep understanding and respect for the land and its custodians.

By acknowledging the Traditional Owners in educational settings, we create a more inclusive and accurate narrative that acknowledges the impact of colonisation and seeks to rectify past injustices.

Acknowledgement of Country actively contributes to a society that values cultural diversity, promotes social harmony, and works towards a more equitable future. In fact, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and honouring the contributions and rights of Indigenous peoples, promoting meaningful engagement, and fostering a society built on mutual respect and understanding.

Acknowledging my limiting understanding

I am currently on a journey of learning and exploring the cultural significance of the Acknowledgement of Country. Although I approach this topic with utmost respect and humility, my understanding is limited.

If there are any concerns or grievances regarding the content written, please know that it is unintentional, and I encourage you to reach out to me via this contact form .

I am committed to deepening my knowledge and fostering a respectful dialogue that honours the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous communities.

Furthermore, I also want to emphasise my intention to encourage you, my dear reader, to engage with and explore topics related to the Acknowledgement of Country.

By sharing my own learning journey, I hope to inspire you to delve into the cultural significance and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives. It is my belief that through open dialogue, education, and respectful engagement, we can collectively contribute to a more inclusive and culturally aware society.

Continue with the Acknowledgment of Country concept, mindset and action trilogy: Understanding Acknowledgement Of Country As Non-Indigeneous

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A meaningful and personalised Acknowledgement of Country

This article is written by Murdoch University Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg.

One of the questions I hear most often is, ‘What does an Acknowledgement of Country actually mean? Why is it important?’. It’s then followed up with ‘What’s a Welcome to Country? How is that different?’.  

The simple answer is that they both have significant cultural meaning, and they show respect for the Traditional Owners of the land.   

A Welcome to Country offers safe passage and protection to the visitors on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. It’s been part of our culture since the beginning, and it calls for the visitor to respect the protocols and rules of the landowner group while on their Country. It is only delivered by Traditional Owners, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been given permission from Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their Country.   

An Acknowledgment of Country is a statement that shows you recognise and respect the land that has for thousands of years been cared for by the Aboriginal communities who live there. It’s like saying ‘thank you for having me in your home’.  

Personalising your Acknowledgement to Country  

So, how do you write one that shows you mean it? Well, there’s a few things you need to know first. It’s important to: 

Know whose land you’re on – be specific. 

For example, at Murdoch University’s South St campus, we’re situated on the lands of the Whadjuk and Noongar peoples so it’s important to say this. Murdoch University’s Mandurah Campus is situated on the lands of the Bindjareb people of the Noongar Nation.

Adapt your Acknowledgement to suit the context of your organisation, department or to your activity.

What are you achieving on their land? How would you explain your purpose?

For example, if your organisation is geared towards:

Medicines, Noongar people have used bush medicines on these lands for thousands of years.

Education, the Noongar knowledges remain today because of learning practices that have taken place on these lands for thousands of years.

Use the correct and respectful terminology. 

Make sure to say Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or just Aboriginal if required – do not abbreviate it. 

Use correct capitalisation if writing it.

Be genuine, show respect for where you are. 

You would want to show genuine respect for your friends' home, think of it the same way.

What does your acknowledgement mean to you.

Did you come here from afar, you could mention the lands you travelled from.

For example, “I came from Naarm (Melbourne) to these lands”. 

What does it mean for you to be on these lands.

Use only present tense.  

An Acknowledgment to Country should be at the beginning of your event or gatherings, but can also be within your email signature, on your website and on signs at the entrances of businesses and homes.  

The impact  

You may not realise it but the impact of incorporating an Acknowledgement of Country is significant to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around you.   

After many years of intergenerational trauma, being taken away from families and fighting for our rights, to hear you acknowledge that it’s our land and you’re honoured to share it with us is an important part of reconciliation.   

Recently, students from the Change Agents Program at Murdoch University have begun a project to create an Acknowledgment of Country toolbox that provides an insight into best practices as well as resources, links and information to help staff personalise their Acknowledgement of Country. The resources within the toolbox have been created using local Noongar culture and knowledge from Elders, as well as insights gathered from students and academic staff. 

Our students are paving the way forward and making change to provide a safe environment for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

Daily Reconciliation actions  

A meaningful and personalised Acknowledgement of Country is one of the biggest steps in reconciliation, as it calls for change and reflection by everyone present.   

However, there are many other ways that you can incorporate reconciliation in your everyday life. You might consider: 

Listening to First Nations stories and voices.  

Taking a cultural tour of your area or workplace.  

When you create content, events, or spaces, make sure to think of things from an Indigenous perspective to create a safe environment.  

Advocating on social media.  

Following and supporting BLAK businesses, influencers and organisations on social media.  

Planting a native or bush tucker garden and learn about the cultural significance of the plants.  

Engaging with local artists and support their work.  

Having a yarning circle.  

Embracing Indigenous terminology – have a yarn, learn the local language!  

Watching films, read books and listen to podcasts and music produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Learning and memorising the key dates that affect Indigenous peoples.  

I encourage you to consider how you might incorporate these actions into your life, and remember that its many small things that lead to big change. 

26 May 2023

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Digital Workplace | Employee Experience | Change Management | Visual Communication | Microsoft MVP

A personal perspective on how to share an Acknowledgement of Country

Inspired by recent conversations with people wanting to learn more about sharing a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country, I am capturing my perspective from many years of thinking and personal research. This is my personal perspective on how to share an Acknowledgement of Country.

I remember the first event where I experienced Welcome to Country. It was in 2012 at a conference. I was surprised and overwhelmed. It made my heart sing that it was happening and I wondered if other people felt that way, or if it was just me. I had seen been present for ceremonies by Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups before, but this was my first experience of a corporate or business event having a Traditional Owner welcome participants to their lands. I was not expecting it, but I thought it was appropriate, and I appreciated it.

Since then I have been present for Welcome to Country a few times, but with growing frequency I see Acknowledgement of Country, and often share one myself. Over time I have done a lot of my own research to explore the “right” way to do things. I want to be respectful, purposeful and to share knowledge. I felt nervous about doing the wrong thing. Wondered if people would question me or be critical. Hoped that doing it would leave people with a positive impression and the curiosity to explore the history of First Nations people in their area. Maybe, it would encourage people to do the same.

Through my research over the years in preparation for events big and small I have learned about the Traditional Owners of the lands I live on, work on, where I was born and the lands of my own family. I have even explored how to approach paying similar respect in Aotearoa (New Zealand) when organising a large online event. At a high level what I know now is:

• Being respectful is the most important thing
• Trying with good intentions and research is always appreciated
• Local knowledge is key, what is tradition of one area is not necessarily the tradition of another
• What you know today could be wrong tomorrow, keep on learning

In the spirit of reconciliation and sharing knowledge here is my advice on how to prepare to deliver your own Acknowledgement of Country.

I approach this with a simple breakdown that includes my own experienced an, tips and links to references:

• Learn: Do some research before you start.
• Prepare: Write your acknowledgement informed by your research.
• Practice: If it’s your first time, practice to get comfortable with pronunciation and tone.
• Share : Deliver your Acknowledgement of Country ant the beginning of your meeting or event.
• Repeat: Never stop learning.

I strongly encourage you to do your own research. This post and others like it are helpful perspectives, but you should look to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups or government organisations examples and guidance.

Visit Reconciliation Australia to learn about the difference between Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. This is important.

• Welcome to Country is delivered by Traditional Owners
• Acknowledgement of Country may be delivered by anyone (this means you)

Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country – Reconciliation Australia

Find out who the Traditional Owners are of the land where you live, where you work, or where you are speaking from if part of an event.

AIATSIS advices looking to local government websites as they are likely to have worked with Traditional Owners and may have an Acknowledgement on their website. They have an excellent map which you can buy or licence but it is unlikely to help you figure out the Traditional Owners of a specific location.

Whose Country am I on? | AIATSIS

Your research will set you up to deliver an Acknowledgement which is meaningful. Shelley Reys’ TEDx Sydney presentation is a must watch mini masterclass in Acknowledgement of Country.

Once you have done your research you are ready to prepare your Acknowledgement.

Start simple with recommendations from First Nations organisations. You can build it as you learn.

Reconciliation Australia provides examples of what you can say or write which are an excellent starting point. You may like to see if your company has any guidance, to look to local Traditional Owner groups, or look to local, state and national government organisations for examples.

I have adjusted how I deliver Acknowledgement of Country over time as I have learned more about Traditional Owners and the message I want to convey.

The Australian Government Style Manual has detailed guidance on how be culturally appropriate and sensitive when writing with, for or about First Nations Australians. I came across it while researching for this post.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples | Style Manual

There are three elements to consider:

Spoken words : If commencing a meeting or event, recording a presentation or creating a podcast, you will want to have a researched and practiced Acknowledgement to deliver. I think if you are the person delivering the Acknowledgement it has the most meaning and impact to to be specific about the Traditional Owners of the land from which you are speaking. If you are not from Australia but speaking to an Australian audience then you may like to generalise.

Written words: In a presentation you may want a slide which conveys your Acknowledgement. It is also common for people to include an Acknowledgement on websites, in documents and in emails. In some instances I have created a slide which has a more general Acknowledgement with alternatives of wording or placeholders to make it relevant to local knowledge.. That slide can either be adjusted, or the speaker can simply deliver something more specific or personal.

Imagery: If including visual elements with your Acknowledgement it is important to ensure that you have the licence to use any images and that they are culturally sensitive. If you would like to include imagery consider sourcing it from an organisation that supports First Nations creators and artists.

Practice is an important part of preparation. Speaking words from an unfamiliar language can be difficult and practice will work out any nerves. When learning how to welcome people to a meeting in Maori I consulted someone I knew who was familiar with the language, I listened to audio of how to pronounce it correctly, and I practiced, a lot.

I have not heard an Acknowledgement of Country delivered completely in the language of Traditional Owners. I wouldn’t recommend attempting reading in a local language without the support of an experienced speaker. Generally you will need to know the name of the Traditional Owners and perhaps the nation and maybe the Traditional name for the area. The City of Adelaide provide a translation in the language of the Kaurna peoples , which is not something I have seen before.

To help with pronunciation try searching for video or audio of Traditional Owners speaking the names, or even looking at SBS or ABC News recordings.

An Acknowledgement of Country is usually shared at significant or large internal or external meetings and events particularly when a Traditional Owner can’t be present.

Guidance from indigenous.gov.au says “It should be delivered at significant/large internal meetings or meetings with external participants e.g. branch meetings, inter-departmental meetings etc.”

Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country | indigenous.gov.au

In my experience I have delivered, heard or been present for Acknowledgement of Country at team meetings, “all hands” company-wide meetings, online conferences, in-person conferences, podcasts and training sessions. It is less about right or wrong, and more about the purpose and meaning. I think it is better to reserve it for larger and significant events, than to have the importance diminished by including it as a regular agenda item at a weekly meeting. My opinion, open to discussion.

When delivering Acknowledgement of Country at your meeting or event it should be done at the beginning. This is specific to it’s purpose. As a way to pay respects in the absence of Traditional Owners who would welcome people to the meeting, the event and to their Country.

Be open to the idea that there is more you don’t know than you do. But don’t let that stop you moving forward.

I have shared my Acknowledgement of Country on this website and will continue to update it as I learn more about the Traditional Owners of the lands where I work, live, where I grew up and where my family is from.

Acknowledgement of Country

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and the site – https://www.acknowledgethis.com.au/

I did a short course with these guys a a couple of years ago so that I could understand what it all meant and the difference between “Acknowledgment of Country and “Welcome to Country”. It was only an hour or so and Rhys and Emma were very engaging.

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Catchment to Coast

Stories of science from the Australian Rivers Institute

How should scientists acknowledge Indigenous peoples in their research?

By Professor Sue Jackson, ARC Future Fellow

Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which academics and others meet for conferences is now a common practice in Australia. Inviting a traditional owner to welcome those assembled at a function to their country, or customary land, has become an established means by which research organisations observe Indigenous engagement protocols.

Recently a Canadian researcher, Alex Webster, asked how and if we should extend acknowledgement of country to scientific papers. On Twitter Alex asked :

Any ecologists out there ever put native territory acknowledgements into their pubs? Wondering how co-authors and editors have reacted, and how to do it in a meaningful way….

This question prompts one to think about this form of acknowledgement and how it relates to the many ways in which non-Indigenous researchers can respectfully interact with Indigenous peoples (in the lab, at the conference, in the field and at the desk).

At the very least, when researchers access Indigenous lands for field studies, they should be conscious of customary land tenures. But Alex Webster asks how one should enact that recognition in a manner that is meaningful?

Perhaps it could bring the same benefits as a welcome to country at a seminar. A senior traditional owner of the Melbourne region, Joy Murphy, explains the effect of performing a welcome to country :

“Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country is a very important way of giving Aboriginal people back their place in society, and an opportunity for us to say, ‘We are real, we are here, and today we welcome you to our land’…It’s paying respect, in a formal sense, and following traditional custom in a symbolic way.” – Joy Murphy Wandin.

It is interesting to ponder the symbolic effect of the world’s scientists acknowledging Indigenous land ownership in their publications. What might such a practice mean for scientific work and what effect might it have on broader relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples, particularly in settler societies such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the U.S?

In these countries, states and their management systems are increasingly recognizing Indigenous forms of environmental governance and management.

Would finding out the traditional ties to the places that are of scientific interest change the way scientists look at the land and its ecology? Western science has inherited many of its views about landscapes from colonial society. These views often present ‘settled’ lands as ones that are devoid of customary attachments and local ways of knowing the world.

Could it be possible, for example, for scientists to ‘discover’ a species well known to local communities if those who were new to the area had engaged with indigenous experts?

Thinking further about acknowledging country in scientific practice calls to mind a paper on human-environmental relationships written by the Bawaka Collective: Caring as Country: Towards an ontology of co-becoming in natural resource management .

Bawaka collective is composed of non-Indigenous geographers, Yolngu colleagues from Bawaka, in north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and the “country” itself. Bawaka country is the lead author of the multi-authored paper. The rationale for crediting the paper’s ideas is thus:

Acknowledging the authorship of Bawaka Country is important as it decentres the privileging of human authors as the only beings able to control and create, as the sole deciders of content and structure, and opens up opportunities for reimaging and co-creating not only how we write about NRM but how we think about and practice it (2013: 186).

Although few researchers have gone to this length to reflect Indigenous modes of acknowledgment, as well as Indigenous ontologies, over the past decade or so, the research sector has undoubtedly responded to the need to improve on previous practices.

As many will be aware, Indigenous organisations and individuals have voiced concerns about research ethics and the practices of research organisations. There are now more collaborative models as we have seen a proliferation of ethics resources serving as guides, particularly those pertaining to protecting Indigenous knowledge (see for example the guidelines produced by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies ).

A range of collaborative methods are now being utilised by government agencies, universities, research institutes, and NGOs to recognise and harness Indigenous knowledges and deliver benefits from research to Indigenous experts and their communities.

These all advocate acknowledging Indigenous knowledge and contributions in a range of ways, including co-authorship of papers, protection of confidential information and ensuring the results from projects are well communicated to communities.

Those interested in the efforts of a major tropical rivers research program (TRaCK) working in north Australia may want to read a paper by Sue Jackson and Michael Douglas: Indigenous engagement in tropical river research in Australia: The TRaCK Program .

Guided by an Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES), the TRaCK program placed considerable emphasis on procedural issues regarding ethics, participatory methodologies, local employment in the research, and intellectual property rights.

The literature in the area of Indigenous knowledge partnerships, and the stated positions of many Indigenous organisations, would suggest that recognising Indigenous territories in publications is one of a number of acknowledgement mechanisms. Under what, if any, conditions it might be considered sufficient would need further consideration, particularly by Indigenous peoples.

The tropical river research collaborations referred to above saw researchers involved in processes of continual dialogue and genuine negotiation that extended beyond adherence to a protocol or procedure.

I would encourage researchers to seek out local traditional owners and discuss with them appropriate ways of recognising their customary laws and management systems, knowledge and values. Doing so will not only raise the profile of Indigenous societies, but will bring benefits to both Indigenous and scientific communities through exchange and the co-production of new knowledge.

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What is an Acknowledgement of Country and how is it different to a Welcome to Country?

The article has been republished from The Conversation under the Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Pauline Hanson’s recent dramatic outburst and walkout from parliament as an Acknowledgement of Country was delivered has been condemned as racist and ignorant.

Social media sites reporting this incident have attracted a barrage of negative comments perpetuating misconceptions around Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country. Many clearly do not understand what they are and see them as “special treatment”. Unfortunately, Hanson has been a source of this line of thinking around so-called “special treatment”, as seen in her 1996 maiden speech to parliament.

Such comments reveal an Australian society still burdened with an unfounded resentment and fear of Aboriginal rights and connection to Country.

So, what is an Acknowledgement of Country? How is it different to a Welcome to Country?

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is often made at the start of an event to pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land.

An Acknowledgement often highlights the unique position of First Nations people in the context of culture and history, and their intimate relationship with the land.

An Acknowledgement does not exclude anyone. Anyone can deliver one. It costs nothing to give or listen to. You lose nothing from a ten second acknowledgement of the Country, language, and people that existed in a place for tens of thousands of years.

An Acknowledgement does not impact on the rights and status of other Australian people.

What is a Welcome to Country?

Acknowledgement of Country is different to a Welcome to Country. Crucially, only Traditional Owners can deliver a Welcome to Country.

Traditionally, First Nations people travelling to different Country had to seek permission to enter from the Traditional Owners. If granted, permission was given by way of a Welcome to Country.

Today, inviting an Elder to perform a Welcome is a way to recognise unceded Aboriginal sovereignty of ancestral lands. It’s also a way to honour ancient and continuing First Nations customs.

Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy Wandin has described Welcome to Country as practised by her people:

When there was a request to visit Country, the Werrigerri (a young man selected by the Elders of the community) would go on behalf of the community under the voice of the Elder, the Nurungeeta. There would be this negotiation and that could take a long time, it could take months. So that is the background of Welcome to Country. It is not a new thing. It is not because our land was dispossessed; it has nothing to do with that. It is all about respect for our culture and who we are. It is paying respect, especially to our ancestors.

Acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country weren’t invented to divide First Nations and non-Indigenous people.

Although both have been widely revived in recent years, they are traditional protocols. When Aboriginal peoples travel from their own home Country to that of another Aboriginal group, they too acknowledge the traditional custodians.

Similarly, it’s standard practice for a hosting First Nations group to perform a welcome to all visitors – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – as a way of being inclusive and welcoming.

In doing this, Aboriginal people are sharing their culture and social protocols and offering the opportunity to feel a deeper connection to the lands you walk upon and visit.

By learning traditional place names, you unlock important information about the character or features of that place.

Restoring and maintaining connection to Country

Many Aboriginal people have been removed from Country, or can no longer access it through development, private ownership, farming and mining.

The Stolen Generations and mission era systematically worked to eradicate Aboriginal languages and cultural traditions. For many First Nations peoples, Acknowledgement of Country can help to restore some of this severed connection to Country and identity.

As Professor Mick Dodson explains:

For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories, and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the titleholders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.

For some Aboriginal people, Acknowledgement of Country is a constant reminder of the responsibilities of custodians to advocate for the protection of a fragile environment and its cultural heritage.

It reminds us all Aboriginal languages were the first languages spoken in this country. Many are are still spoken. Acknowledgement of Country brings us together and recognises the shared cultural history and landscape we have all inherited.

Joy Murphy Wandin, describes it as:

a very important way of giving Aboriginal people back their place in society, and an opportunity for us to say, “We are real, we are here, and today we welcome you to our land”. It’s paying respect, in a formal sense, and following the traditional custom in a symbolic way.

Understanding what Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country are, and their history and origins can help us recognise the importance and power of continuing these practices.

It’s not about being divisive. It’s about continuing ancient connections to Country, history, and ancestors. It’s a reminder of the responsibility of custodians to the land and its creatures; to protect and look after them.

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Acknowledgment of Country: Tokenistic or Meaningful?

This article is part of our June theme, which focuses on Indigenous People and their human rights . Read our  Editorial for more on this theme.

On 26 May 1997 the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families ( Bringing Them Home ) was tabled in the Australian federal parliament. The Bringing Them Home report traces the history of forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families, since the very first days of the European occupation of Australia, up until the 1970s and 1980s. The report details the separation of families and communities; the loss of connection to traditional land, culture and language; and the spiritual, emotional and physical suffering resulting from forcible removal. The report explains that the impacts of forcible removal are trans-generational and continue to affect Indigenous families and communities today.

The Bringing Them Home report concluded that forcible removal breached both the common law and the human rights of Indigenous families and children. The report made a number of recommendations , determining that Australian Governments have a responsibility to appropriately compensate those affected. Recommendation 5a attests “that all Australian Parliaments officially acknowledge the responsibility of their predecessors for the laws, policies and practices of forcible removal.”

This report marked a critical turning point, and since being tabled, a number of positive steps have been taken by governments and individuals towards a more inclusive vision of Australia.

The first Sorry Day was held in Sydney in 1998, providing an opportunity for non-Indigenous Australians to express their support and empathy for the Stolen Generations, and recognise the injustices experienced by those removed, their families and communities. Today, there is a National Sorry Day, with thousands of people across Australia remembering the Stolen Generations.

Then, on 13 February 2008 during the second sitting day of the 42nd Parliament of Australia, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Australian Parliament issued a formal apology to Indigenous Australians in general and to the surviving members of the Stolen Generations, their families and relatives. The formal apology was watched by hundreds of parliamentarians, former prime ministers and representatives of the Indigenous community.

Former Prime Minister Paul Keating, who in 1992 delivered the infamous Redfern Address , and who also commissioned the Bringing Them Home report, spoke positively about the formal apology to Indigenous Australians. “It was a day of open hearts…There can be no justification for the fact that children were taken – no matter in what lofty circles the policy may have originated.”

“[The apology] is another chapter, an unfolding chapter in our history but a chapter of honesty for the Prime Minister and the Government today to turn that leaf over and to say sorry and let us begin fresh.”

Keating further emphasised the gravity of saying sorry by adding that “the generosity of spirit and kindliness of heart is immeasurable.”

The co-chair of the Stolen Generation Alliance , Christine King, said Rudd’s apology marks an important positive step towards healing for Indigenous people. “This apology is the beginning of our healing process. It’s wonderful. It really is wonderful and it shows great statesmanship on the part of our Prime Minister and leadership of this government that I have not seen in this country before.”

King further remarked , “Sorry is the most important word because it has great meaning in our community. It means having empathy and compassion and understanding. Older people thought they would never live to see this day so it’s very emotional for me and it’s very important.”

The Australian Government’s landmark speech, which built upon previous actions by governments to “officially acknowledge the responsibility of their predecessors for the laws, policies and practices of forcible removal”, provided Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike with the opportunity to concede the wrongs of the past, and move forward as one into the future.

Despite progress in the understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, the unique contribution of Indigenous Australians to our national life is not always consistently reflected.

Mid-last year, a week prior to National Sorry Day, the Victorian Government decided to depart from the Indigenous protocol of Acknowledgement of Country instated by the preceding governments. At the time, the Victorian Government stated that the decision to pay respects to traditional owners of the land at public events should be at the discretion of individual government ministers, to prevent the gesture becoming tokenistic.

Indigenous Protocols for Recognising Traditional Owners

Given their difficult history, Indigenous people often feel invisible in their own land. Symbols of recognition, such as acknowledgement of country, affirm for Indigenous people that their culture is recognised and valued by the wider community.

The Protocols for Recognising Traditional Owners , which include the Welcome to Country Ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country, provide an opportunity for genuine recognition of the truth of Australia’s history, to show respect for Indigenous culture and heritage, and to recognise their status as first Australians.

Welcoming to country and paying respect to custodians have been practised as lore for over 40,000 years, reflecting their relation with the land and their welcoming of visitors. This practice was disrupted with the advent of European law 240 years ago. Through the reconciliation movement of the late nineties, this practice was reinstated, and it became widely used by non-Indigenous people.

Welcome to Country ceremony acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples. A Welcome to Country is conducted by the traditional Aboriginal custodian or Elder, and this may be done through a speech, song, or ceremony. Acknowledgement of Country is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the traditional custodians of the land or sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted. It can be performed by any individual, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, participating in an occasion of any kind.

Conducting a Welcome to Country and/or Acknowledgement of Country is a fundamental first step in developing a positive and meaningful relationship with the Indigenous community. It demonstrates respect for Indigenous people and acknowledges the spiritual, physical and cultural connection their ancestors have with their “country” as the first people of the land.

The move by the Victorian Government to depart from the Indigenous protocol of Acknowledgement of Country is perplexing, as the protocol has never been mandated. The protocol simply encourages the practice of paying respect to custodians at formal events, forums and functions such as Government and Local Government meetings, conferences, school assemblies, concerts, board meetings, and official openings. So was this move even necessary?

Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy viewed the move as a backward step for reconciliation. She remarked that “[government are] there to represent community and be inclusive of community.”

“We are all here present on country, but our people have been on this county for thousands of years and [at] the very least that has to be respected.” She further emphasised that “appropriate acknowledgement is the way to do that.”

In the Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report (Us Taken-Away Kids) , Tom Calma, former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, stated “while there have been positive developments and initiatives, many opportunities for governments to work with our communities and advance the goal of national reconciliation have been lost.”

The recognition of traditional owners, at a most pared-back level, moves the non-Indigenous observer to consider their colonial heritage and the legislation and events which have shaped the lives of Indigenous people since colonisation.

This recognition is pertinent to increasing the understanding and mutual respect for cultural practices by both Indigenous Australians and the wider community. By valuing and respecting appropriate Indigenous ceremonies, there is an opportunity to contest entrenched disadvantage and dispossession, and provide an opportunity for belonging.

The responsibility to increase our understanding of why acknowledgement is important to Aboriginal people rests with every person. Greater awareness can be achieved through active participation in Indigenous campaigns and events such as National Sorry Day, cultural awareness training, and by listening to and building relationships with Indigenous people.

The Acknowledgement of Country remains a practice that every person may continue thoughtfully and respectfully. In spite of the government’s actions, every Victorian should explore how Indigenous protocols are meaningful for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. That way, we can all work towards a more culturally sensitive and inclusive community.

Ilona Nicola is a freelance writer with a passion for Indigenous affairs.

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A personal Acknowledgement of Country example

The day I learnt how to take a standard Acknowledgement of Country example and make it my own. I share this story from a personal, not professional place.

Let me start by saying that I am a well-intentioned yet ignorant ally of Indigenous people.

So for instance, I’ve always thought an Acknowledgement of Country, the simplest of acts of respect and recognition, was the right thing to do. However, I’ve never done one, because I don’t know anything about them protocol wise, never truly understood the meaning and would be scared to get it wrong, and get cancelled. That’s the truth.

And yes, I am also an oversharer, thank you for noticing.

My brilliant colleague Sakina Javed, tracked down Rhys Paddick, Aboriginal Educator, and downright hilarious human, to talk to me  about acknowledgements of country on an episode of Commical . He did much more. He empowered me to explore my own connection to Indigenous land, people and culture and to personalise my Acknowledgements.

What is an Acknowledgment of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a sign of respect for our First Nations people and recognises them as the original custodians of the land we now share.

It is normally the first part of an event or meeting and can be done by indigenous or non-Indigenous people. There is no set length, no set script, and Rhys taught me that it can absolutely be written from the perspective of the person delivering it, or even the place it is delivered to or from.

We’ve all heard this:

“I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.”

I’ve learnt that yes, that is a sound, solid and safe Acknowledgement of Country. And for those who are not yet comfortable enough to personalise – IE me before meeting Rhys – this is still a small but good step ahead of an event if you wish to recognise and respect our First Nations people.

But the real beauty of personalising an Acknowledgement of Country, is what you learn along the way. The process of researching Aboriginal Australia, honing in on the distinct country you may live or work and who the traditional custodians are. What language they spoke and continue to speak, the special people or places in your local area and their history. For me anyway, this was by far the best part of writing an Acknowledgement of Country of my own.

Personalising an Acknowledgement of Country

What good teacher doesn’t put you to the test? Rhys generously took the time to read some of the acknowledgements I’d written, and provided feedback on their appropriateness. As an amateur comedian but a serious comms professional, I wanted to ensure that my personal style wasn’t going to take away from the seriousness of the acknowledgement.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ONE.

Scenario: I’m kicking off the first team meeting of the year.

Good morning! I’m joining you today from the Eora nation, also known as Sydney. A place I’ve lived and worked for the last 20 years, a place that is the traditional land of the Gadigal people.

✅ simplistic ✅ to the point ✅ different to the expected “script” ✅ personal

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TWO.

Scenario: I’m conducting a webinar over zoom.

Thank you all for joining today. We come together over zoom – for which we give thanks to the techie people of silicon valley, whom we don’t understand but completely respect. All whilst our feet are firmly planted on the beautiful Aboriginal land that unites us, with thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, past and present.

✅ light / fun ✅ humour ✅ good analogy with online vs where feet are planted – I like!

I would also allow myself room to extend this if you feel confident! Remember you can still talk about yourself!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THREE.

Scenario: I’m giving a speech to a group of university students, about my marketing career.

Let me start by telling you all a little bit about me. I grew up in Bankstown, home to Darug and Eora people for many thousands of years before European Settlement. Looking around the Canterbury Bankstown district today, there’s no sight of what it once had in abundance prior to its settlement. Kangaroo, emu, possum, wild honey, plants and roots.

The Bankstown I grew up in was rich in diversity – Vietnamese, Lebanese, Greeks, Chinese and more migrant communities. Bringing with them their many languages and traditions that we now share on this great Aboriginal land. It still is abundant in plants – just not the legal kind.

✅ personal to place ✅ informative ✅ humour ✅ interesting

This is my favourite one, there’s not much I’d change. If you’re feeling confident you could also mention the people in the room. I like to do this and thank them for their time and attention.

I wouldn’t just stick to these forever, I like to change them, add things, take things away, adapt it etc. The good thing is that they are all moved away from the “template” which I love!

Ignorance is Embarrassing

When I first approached this topic, I was quite embarrassed that I even had to ask. That I had to reveal to my colleague 10 years my junior (don’t edit that out, Sakina, it’s close enough) that she knew more about indigenous culture than I did. But what is more embarrassing, is living in ignorance and not even trying to learn.

If you’re interested in learning more about Acknowledgements of Country or like me, you want to deepen your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture, start now:

• Check out  rhyspaddick.com . You’ll find useful information and if you’d like him to help you or your organisation with acknowledgement of country you can contact him through his website. He runs regular workshops on the topic and is also a MC / Keynote speaker – and a great one at that.
• The website  Creative Spirits  has excellent information on Aboriginal culture, especially for those who are just starting out on their learning journey.  This page  is specifically about Acknowledgement of Country and offers a guide to help you do it confidently.
• Which part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land do you work or live on? Or are presenting on? Check out the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ (ATSIS)  map of Indigenous Australia .
• @clothingthegap
• @blakbusiness
• @ abcindigenous

I know it’s a small step. But it’s the first of many. Thank you Rhys. I know that for you, it was probably just a 30 minute podcast interview with a brilliant unrecognised comedian. But for me it was an uplifting and eye opening learning experience I will never forget.

Let's keep talking

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Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Content block.

Whadjuk Elders & Speakers – Welcome to Country List 

The Cultural Capability team have developed a Whadjuk Elders Welcome to Country document. The document has a variety of Male and Female Elders and Whadjuk speakers, including detailed information about engagement processes and general advice. The document is currently being updated and will be uploaded once it has been updated. 

Acknowledgement of Country Writing Workshop 

The Cultural Capability team have introduced Acknowledgement of Country Writing  Workshops as a part of the Indigenous Cultural Capability Framework (ICCF) programs for staff to enrol into. This experience is 1 hour long and is hosted on-campus, for available dates please visit iPerform.

Learn about how you would create your own meaningful acknowledgement in this workshop as important to gain a deeper understanding of what you are acknowledging.

Curtin Perth, Curtin Murray St and Curtin St Georges Terrace are all located on Whadjuk Country, which encompasses the Perth area. To deliver an Acknowledgement of Country for Whadjuk Country you can say:

I acknowledge Whadjuk people as Traditional Owners and Custodians of the area Boorloo (Perth) which Curtin Perth Campuses are located, I give my respects to their ancestors and Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders, past, present and those following in their footsteps.

Curtin Kalgoorlie is located on Wongutha lands, so to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country in Kalgoorlie, you can say:

I acknowledge Wongutha peoples, Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which Curtin Kalgoorlie is located on, I give my respects to their ancestors and Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders, past, present and those following in their footsteps.

If the event is taking place elsewhere , you can find out which Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples Country you are located on by using the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Languages Australia . If you can’t find out the name of the Traditional Owners or the ownership is disputed, you can say:

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Custodians of the land on which we gather today, and give my respects to their ancestors, Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders past, present and those following in their footsteps.