Understanding Acknowledgement of Country: The Aussie Way of Showing Respect

An Acknowledgement of Country is a formal statement that recognizes and pays respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which an event or gathering is taking place. 

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a protocol commonly used in Australia to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the beginning of a meeting, speech or event. 

An Acknowledgement of Country can also be conducted on behalf of an individual or an organization in different forms of communication, such as email signature blocks, websites, and on social media. (Source: Reconciliation Australia)

Where do people practice Acknowledgement of Country?

Acknowledgement of Country is mostly used in Australia and considered an integral part of their daily life.

It has become more common in public spaces, such as government buildings, cultural centers, and public parks.

In Australia, Acknowledgement of Country has been incorporated into school curriculums, and is an important part of the national conversation about reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples.

In Canada and the United States, it is more common to use land acknowledgement to recognize and respect the Indigenous peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land.

Also read: Understanding Land Acknowledgement: Why It Can’t Speak for Itself

Who can practice Acknowledgement of Country?

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. (Source: Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country – Creative Spirits)

The Importance of Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country is an important way of showing respect, recognition, and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures, and of acknowledging the ongoing connection that they have to the land.

And we can generalize the importance of Acknowledgement of Country in three aspects:

1. Showing respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Acknowledging Country is an important way of showing respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledging the ongoing connection that they have to the land.

It is a way of recognizing and honoring the traditional custodians of the land, and the cultural and spiritual significance of the land to First Nation peoples.

2. Addressing the impacts that colonization

In the context of colonization, acknowledging country can also be a way of acknowledging and addressing the impacts that colonization has had on the First Nation peoples and their lands.

It can be an important step towards reconciliation and rebuilding relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

3. An educational opportunity

In addition to being an important gesture of respect and recognition, acknowledging country can also be an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous peoples to learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

It can also help to raise awareness of the ongoing issues and challenges faced by Indigenous or First Nation peoples, and the importance of upholding their rights and supporting their communities.

How to acknowledge country in everyday situations?

There are a variety of ways that you can acknowledge country in everyday situations. Some possible options include:

1. Make an acknowledgement at the beginning of events or gatherings: You can make an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of events or gatherings, such as meetings, conferences, or community events. This can be a simple statement that recognizes and respects the Indigenous peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which the event is taking place.
2. Include an acknowledgement in your workplace or organization: You can include an Acknowledgement of Country in your workplace or organization’s policies, procedures, or other materials. This can be a way of recognizing and respecting the Indigenous peoples whose land your workplace or organization is located on.
3. Use social media to raise awareness: You can use social media platforms to raise awareness about the importance of acknowledging country, and to encourage others to do the same. This can be a way of spreading the message and helping to educate others about the importance of acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal people and their culture.
4. Seek out opportunities to learn more: You can seek out opportunities to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history, and to support Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations. This can be a way of showing your support and building positive relationships with Indigenous communities.

Examples of Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the Country.

Reconciliation Australia

Here are five examples of acknowledging country:

1. “We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we are gathered today, the [Indigenous group or nation]. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to this land.”
2. “I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are meeting on the traditional lands of the [Indigenous group or nation], and pay respects to the Elders of this land, past and present.”
3. “We would like to acknowledge that this event is taking place on the unceded territory of the [Indigenous group or nation], and recognize their ongoing connection to this land.”
4. “As we gather today, we would like to acknowledge the [Indigenous group or nation] as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders and recognize their ongoing connection to this land.”
5. “We would like to begin by acknowledging that we are meeting on the ancestral lands of the [Indigenous group or nation]. We recognize the deep cultural and spiritual significance of this land to Indigenous peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders and traditions.”

These are just a few examples, and the specific wording may vary depending on the context and the specific Indigenous group or community whose land is being acknowledged.

It is important to be respectful and mindful when acknowledging country, and to follow the protocols and guidelines of the specific Indigenous group or community whose land is being acknowledged.

The benefits of Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country is an important way of showing respect and recognition to Indigenous or the First Nation peoples and their cultures, building positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, raising awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, promoting inclusivity, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. 

1. Showing respect and recognition to Indigenous peoples: Acknowledgement of Country is an important way of showing respect and recognition to the First Nation peoples and their cultures. It is a way of acknowledging the ongoing connection that Indigenous peoples have to the land and their cultural and spiritual relationship with it.
2. Building positive relationships: It can help to build positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and can be an important step towards reconciliation. It can also help to foster mutual understanding and respect between different cultural groups.
3. Raising awareness: It can help to raise awareness about the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, and about the ongoing issues and challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It can be an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous peoples to learn more about Indigenous cultures and histories.
4. Promoting inclusivity: It can help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for the First Nation peoples, and can demonstrate a commitment to respect and inclusion.
5. Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives: It can also be a way of supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations, and of showing solidarity with First Nation communities.

Acknowledgement of Country vs Welcome to Country

An Acknowledgement of Country recognizes and respects the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land.

It is a way of acknowledging the Indigenous peoples’ ongoing connection to the land and their cultural and spiritual relationship with it.

A Welcome to Country, on the other hand, is a request for permission. It is a practice that has been carried out for thousands of years in Australia.

When Aboriginal people went to the land of another group, which they called country, they need to seek permission and promise to abide by the rules of the country they enter. The host of the country would welcome the visitors and offer them safe passage and protection. Such protocols are regarded as Welcome to Country.

Acknowledgement of Country vs Land Acknowledgement

In general, an Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing respect and recognition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their connection to their territories. It is mostly used in Australia.

A land acknowledgement is similar, but it is specifically focused on acknowledging the Indigenous peoples’ connection to the land and their rights to it. And it is more common in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

It is often made in the context of recognizing and addressing the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and their lands. 

Land acknowledgements may also include a recognition of the treaties and agreements that have been made with Indigenous peoples, and may express a commitment to reconciliation and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples.

 Conclusion

Overall, Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity to learn about the history, cultural heritage, and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to reflect on the impact of colonization and the importance of respect and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

FAQs

When did Acknowledgement of Country start?

It was first introduced at the start of parliament in 2008 and now forms a regular element of Australian political process.

Is acknowledgement of country mandatory?

Acknowledgement of country is not mandatory. But it is more common in Australia where it is regarded as being respectful to acknowledge the Indigenous people and their connection to the land in public meetings or ceremonies.

Should I put an Acknowledgement of Country on my website?

Acknowledgement of country are commonly practiced as a spoken statement during events, as opposed to displaying on websites.