Acknowledge, Welcome, and Respect: Understanding Country Protocols

Acknowledging Country

An Acknowledgement of Country is an expression of recognition and respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and gather. It can be incorporated into various forms of communication, such as email signatures, websites, and event programs.

Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony performed by Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors to their ancestral land. This ceremony is typically conducted at the beginning of events and involves acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land and their ongoing connection to it.

Protocols and Customs

Welcoming and acknowledging Country are guided by specific protocols and customs that vary between different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. It's important to follow these protocols respectfully and to seek guidance from the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Reconciliation and Understanding

Acknowledging and welcoming Country plays a crucial role in reconciliation and fostering understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. By engaging with these protocols, we can acknowledge the past, build relationships, and work together towards a more just and equitable future.