Welcome+and+Acknowledgement+of+Country

What is Welcome to Country? Why does it happen, and who does it?
A Welcome to Country is where a traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian or Elder welcomes people to their land.

A Welcome to Country is about giving recognition to Aboriginal ancestors for giving Aboriginal people the right to be here. It is about paying respect, in a formal sense, and following traditional custom in a symbolic way.

Every time a formal Welcome to Country is given it continues a tradition that has always been a part of Australian culture - except for a recent lapse of about 200 years. It was always given by way of welcome when permission was granted to visit a different tribal area.

What is Acknowledgement to Country? Why does it happen, and who does it?
An Acknowledgement of Country may be performed by anyone.

Providing an Acknowledgement of Country is a way to demonstrate respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the ongoing relationship of traditional owners with the land.

The following are two examples of acceptable words that may be used when giving an Acknowledgement of Country:


 * I/we would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the (appropriate group) people.**

or


 * I/we would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay my/our respects to the Elders both past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.**

The text can be modified to suit the occasion and audience.

Some specific Woollahra Examples:

INFORMAL ASSEMBLIES – STAGE ASSEMBLIES
1. I would like to acknowledge the Cadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional custodians of this land. I would also like to pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people here today.

2. I would like to show my respect for the Cadigal people of the Eora nation who once lived on the land of our school. I would like to recognise Elders from both yesterday and today. I would like to show respect for all people Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal here today.

3. I would like to show my respect and acknowledge the Cadigal people of the Eora nation and Elders past and present, on which this event takes place.

4. I would like everyone to remember the Cadigal people who lived where our school is today. I want everyone to think about the Elders who pass on knowledge about Aboriginal culture. I would like everyone to show respect to all people. (Maybe a K-2?)

==== 1. Our school was once a beautiful, wild country, and home to the Cadigal people of the Eora nation. Today we recognise their long history on this land and the care they gave to this land for thousands of years. ====

2. I would like to give an acknowledgement of country today by using the words of Aboriginal poet, Jonathon Hill

Today we stand in footsteps millenia old. May we acknowledge the traditional owners Whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since men and women awoke from the great dream. We honour the presence of these ancestors who reside in the imagination of this land and whose irrpressible spirituality flows through all creation.

3. I would like to acknowledge the Cadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land we work, learn and play on every day. I would like to acknowledge Elders past and present who have been and always will be the keepers and guardians of Aboriginal culture. I pay my respects to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people here today.