Welcome To Country Indigenous Australia

WEB article about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols

Understanding the Importance of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Statement of Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country

When engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, it is important to understand and respect their cultural protocols. Two key protocols are the Welcome to Country and the Acknowledgement of Country. A Welcome to Country is a traditional ceremony performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder to welcome visitors to their land. It is a way of showing respect for the traditional owners of the land and acknowledging their ongoing connection to it. An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement that recognizes the traditional owners of the land on which you are meeting or working. It is a way of paying respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture.

Both the Welcome to Country and the Acknowledgement of Country are important ways to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture. They are also important ways to build relationships and create a sense of inclusivity.

Here are some tips for delivering a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country:

• Be respectful and sincere.
• Use the correct language and terminology.
• Be brief and to the point.
• Make eye contact with the audience.
• Be prepared to answer questions.

By following these tips, you can help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.