Welcome to Country is a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremony, commonly performed in Australia, to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which an event is taking place. It is a way to pay respects and seek permission from the local Indigenous community to gather and hold an event on their land. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying the Welcome to Country, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Welcome to Country
When conducting a formal Welcome to Country, it is important to follow certain protocols. Here are a few steps to keep in mind:
- Research the local Indigenous community: Before the event, take the time to learn about the traditional custodians of the land. Understand their language, culture, and history to demonstrate respect and appreciation.
- Contact the relevant Indigenous organization: Reach out to the local Indigenous organization or Traditional Owners to inquire about performing the Welcome to Country. They will guide you through the process and provide appropriate protocols.
- Arrange a Traditional Owner or Elder: It is customary to have a Traditional Owner or respected Elder perform the Welcome to Country. If you are not Indigenous yourself, ensure you respectfully invite and acknowledge their participation in the ceremony.
- Prepare your speech: When delivering the Welcome to Country, it’s important to strike a balance between formality and warmth. Consider including the following elements:
- Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians by their specific group or community name.
- Pay respects to their ancestors, the land, and the ongoing connection to Country.
- Express gratitude for the opportunity to gather and acknowledge the hosting community.
- Highlight the importance of culturally respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
- Convey your commitment to reconciliation and understanding.
- Invite everyone present to share in the ceremony and show respect by listening and participating.
- Invite an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person to respond with an appropriate cultural acknowledgement and/or introduce the event.
Example of a Formal Welcome to Country:
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I would like to begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today, the [specific group or community name]. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge the ongoing connection to Country. We are privileged to be here today and grateful for the opportunity to share in this ceremony, which is an important part of the cultural heritage of our nation. We invite you all to join us in acknowledging and celebrating the rich Indigenous history and the values of unity, respect, and reconciliation that bring us together.”
Informal Welcome to Country
Informal Welcomes to Country are commonly used in less formal gatherings or community events. While still respectful, they may not always require the involvement of a Traditional Owner or Elder. Here are some tips:
- Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians: Start by recognizing the Traditional Custodians of the land, even if it’s just a brief mention. Show appreciation for their spiritual connection to Country and their ongoing custodianship.
- Show gratitude: Express your thanks for the opportunity to gather on their land and the privilege of sharing in their culture.
- Keep it concise: Informal Welcomes to Country are often shorter and less ceremonial. However, be sure to convey the message of respect and acknowledgement clearly.
An informal Welcome to Country might look like this:
Example of an Informal Welcome to Country:
“Good evening, everyone. Before we begin, it is essential to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the [specific group or community name], and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We are honored to be here today, sharing in this event, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from the rich cultural traditions of this place. Let us come together with open hearts, in the spirit of respect and understanding, as we forge our path towards reconciliation.”
Regional Variations
While the basic principles of a Welcome to Country remain the same, there may be some regional variations based on the local Indigenous culture and traditions. It is crucial to research and communicate appropriately with the Traditional Owners of the specific region you are in. This ensures that you acknowledge and respect any unique customs or requirements they may have.
Conclusion
By acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land, performing a Welcome to Country demonstrates respect, appreciation, and a commitment to reconciliation. Whether formal or informal, it is important to approach this tradition with sincerity and authenticity. Remember to take the time to research, follow protocols, and engage the local Indigenous community to ensure a culturally inclusive event. Let us all work together to build stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and a shared future.
