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Events Manual
Events Manual
Welcome and acknowledgement of country
Welcome to Country
Acknowledgement of Country
The people of the Darug Nation are the traditional custodians of the land where Macquarie University resides.
Welcome to Country
If a ‘Welcome to Country’ is appropriate for your event, it should always occur in the opening ceremony of the event, preferably as the first item.
The ‘Welcome to Country’ is conducted by a representative (or representatives) of the local Aboriginal Custodians who welcome the delegates, those in attendance, invited guests, staff and students to their Country. Protocols in relation to the performing of a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony are wide and diverse and can vary according to region and locality.
A ‘Welcome to Country’ may consist of a single speech by the representative of the local Aboriginal community, or it can also include a performance of some description (which will vary according to region and locality). Performances can include a Traditional Welcoming Song, a Traditional Dance, didgeridoo performance or a combination of any of the above.
It is important that the Aboriginal representative/s are comfortable with the arrangements that should be mutually negotiated and it is important to note that the New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG) Inc endorses the notion that the performing of a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony is a right of the local Aboriginal Custodians and not a priviledge.
Acknowledgement of Country
An ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ is a way that the wider community can demonstrate respect for Aboriginal protocol and can be performed by any party that is participating in an occasion of any kind.
‘Acknowledgement of Country’ can be performed by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the Traditional Custodians of the Land and or Sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted.
Government departments and organisations are adopting the practice of acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions. The NSW AECG Inc encourages all members to demonstrate appropriate acknowledgement when in any forum, from general meeting, formal gathering, function, ceremony, or event.
For further information on when and how to use a ‘Welcome to Country’ or an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ contact:
Losalini Kelei
Protocol Officer
Marketing Unit
Phone: 4112
Email: lo.kelei@vc.mq.edu.au