Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement

A Welcome to Country is a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremony or custom that has been incorporated into contemporary Australian culture. It is a way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to welcome visitors to their traditional lands. This ceremony is only performed by an Aboriginal Elder or representative of the local community. During a Welcome to Country, the Elder and/or Community Leader delivers a speech, often accompanied by traditional music, dance, or smoking ceremonies.

Aboriginal Elders are chosen and accepted by their own communities as the respected custodians of Aboriginal knowledge, lore and cultural practices. They are highly respected Aboriginal men and women who have cultural authority within their families and communities.

An Acknowledgment of Country is a statement acknowledging and showing respect for the Aboriginal history, culture, and ongoing connection of traditional custodians with the land. When people acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, they are demonstrating their respect for the continuing traditions and spiritual connection Aboriginal communities have with the land and its natural treasures.

An example of an Acknowledgement of Country statements can include:

“I/We wish to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we are meeting on today the Nyoongar people, we acknowledge their continuing culture, connection to the land and local water ways and pay respect to Elders past and present “

Note: This example is the preferred example of an Acknowledgement to Country, but there is actually no set wording for an Acknowledgement to Country. It is important that the choice of words be meaningful to the person making the Acknowledgement and that it is always done respectfully.