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Welcome to Country is a ritual or formal ceremony performed as a land acknowledgement at many events held in Australia. It is a traditional practice among Aboriginal Australian groups to welcome people from other areas and as a cultural exchange. The term was coined by arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s, and it has been incorporated into the ceremonial opening of the Parliament of Australia since 2008. The ceremony is performed by the recognised traditional owner of the land in question and may be accompanied by traditional smoking ceremonies, music, or dance. It is an important symbol that recognises the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia before colonisation and their continuing connection to the land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To highlight the cultural significance of the surrounding area to the descendants of a particular Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clan or language group |
| Who performs it | Recognised traditional owner of the land in question |
| Accompaniments | Traditional smoking ceremonies, music or dance |
| Alternative | Where a recognised owner is not available to perform the welcome, an Acknowledgement of Country may be offered instead |
| Meaning of "Country" | An interdependent relationship between an individual or a people and their ancestral or traditional lands and seas |
| Connection to land | Involves culture, spirituality, language, law/lore, kin relationships and identity |
| Symbolises | Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' presence in Australia before colonisation |
| History | Long tradition among Aboriginal Australian groups to welcome people from other areas |
| Coining of the term | Arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s |
| Development | Began being incorporated into openings of meetings and other events across Australia, by all levels of government, universities, community groups, arts and other organisations |
| Performed by | Aboriginal Traditional Custodians |
| No set wording | Intent and sincerity are key |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of 'country'
The term "country" has a particular meaning and significance to many Aboriginal peoples. It represents an interdependent relationship between an individual or a people and their ancestral or traditional lands and seas. "Country" is used to describe land, waterways, and skies, but it also embodies the idea of life, family, and connection.
For Aboriginal peoples, "going on country" means returning to their tribal land. When tribes meet, the people whose land it is perform a "Welcome to Country" ceremony to welcome visitors and assure them that they are safe. This was especially important when there was warring between tribes and they wanted to talk.
A "Welcome to Country" is a ritual or formal ceremony performed as a land acknowledgement at many events held in Australia. It is performed by the recognised traditional owner of the land in question and may be accompanied by traditional smoking ceremonies, music, or dance. The ceremony is intended to highlight the cultural significance of the surrounding area to the descendants of a particular Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clan or language group.
An "Acknowledgement of Country", on the other hand, can be offered by any person and is given at the beginning of a meeting, speech, or event. It is a way of showing awareness of and respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which the gathering is taking place. It recognises the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their Country and pays respect to Elders past and present.
Both Welcomes and Acknowledgements of Country have been incorporated into openings of meetings and events across Australia, including at all levels of government, universities, community groups, and arts organisations. They serve as a symbol of the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' presence in Australia before colonisation and aid in reconciliation with Australia's First Nations.
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The history of Welcome to Country
The Welcome to Country is a ritual or formal ceremony performed as a land acknowledgement at many events held in Australia. It is a tradition that has been practised by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years to welcome people from other areas to their traditional tribal lands. The term "Welcome to Country" was coined by arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s, who helped develop the practice by beginning each show she was involved with a welcome.
The history of the Welcome to Country ceremony goes back millennia, with Aboriginal people performing a type of welcome ceremony when one tribal group sought to enter the lands of another. This traditional protocol could be spoken, sung, or performed, and might include a smoking ceremony, depending on the traditions of the local group. In recent years, the Welcome to Country has been extended to everyone from British royalty to the thousands who attended the 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The first "modern" Welcome to Country ceremony was performed in 1973 at the Aquarius Festival in Nimbin, New South Wales. The alternative lifestyle festival, considered Australia's "Woodstock", was challenged by Indigenous activist Gary Foley to seek permission from traditional owners to hold the festival on their land. In 1976, the Welcome to Country entered the Australian mainstream after a performance by West Australian Richard Walley and the Middar Theatre at the Perth International Arts Festival. Richard Walley and Ernie Dingo were credited with the first "modern" Welcome to Country, which was a resurrection of a traditional practice in a contemporary context.
Since 2008, a Welcome to Country has been incorporated into the ceremonial opening of the Parliament of Australia, occurring after each federal election. The inclusion of the Welcome to Country in official meetings and events recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land and shows respect for their culture and history. Today, the Welcome to Country serves as a symbol that signifies the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' presence in Australia before colonisation and their past exclusion from Australian history and society.
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The purpose of Welcome to Country
The term "Welcome to Country" was coined by arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s. It has been a long tradition among Aboriginal Australian groups to welcome people from other areas. Today, it is also a symbol that recognises the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia before colonisation and their past exclusion from Australian history and society.
The ceremony is often accompanied by traditional smoking ceremonies, music, or dance. It is important that the Elder performing the ceremony is introduced and acknowledged in a culturally appropriate manner. The "Welcome to Country" is different from an "Acknowledgement of Country", which can be offered by any person and does not need to be delivered by a Traditional Custodian.
The "Welcome to Country" is a way of making newcomers feel comfortable and connected and may be the basis for forging important future relationships. It is a way of showing respect for Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to Country. It is also a way of recognising the continuing connection of Aboriginal people to Country.
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The importance of Welcome to Country
Welcome to Country is a ritual or formal ceremony that serves as a land acknowledgement at events held in Australia. It is a way of welcoming people from other areas and facilitating cultural exchange. The term was coined by arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s, and the practice has since been incorporated into various events and meetings across Australia, including the ceremonial opening of the Parliament of Australia since 2008.
Furthermore, Welcome to Country is significant as it helps to make newcomers feel comfortable and connected, fostering the foundation for future relationships. It is a way of seeking permission to enter another group's Country, which was an important protocol in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This protocol ensures that boundaries are clear and respected.
In addition to the Welcome to Country, there is also the Acknowledgement of Country, which can be offered by any person at the beginning of a meeting, speech, or event. This acknowledgement recognises the Traditional Owners of the land and pays respect to Elders past and present. It is a way of showing awareness of and respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land and their enduring connection to Country.
Overall, the importance of Welcome to Country lies in its ability to promote cultural exchange, foster respect and reconciliation, and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. It is a way of acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land and their ongoing connection to Country, addressing the historical exclusion of Indigenous peoples in Australia.
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The process of organising a Welcome to Country ceremony
A Welcome to Country ceremony is a formal event that acknowledges the cultural significance of the area to the descendants of a particular Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clan. It is a way of welcoming people to the traditional custodians' land and is usually performed by a recognised Elder or a representative of the relevant Formally Recognised Traditional Owners.
Identify the Traditional Owners
The first step is to identify the Traditional Owners of the land where the event will take place. This can be done by contacting the local Aboriginal Land Council or Native Title representative body, who can advise on the recognised Traditional Owners and provide their contact information.
Contact the Traditional Owners
Once the Traditional Owners have been identified, the next step is to contact them and request their participation in the Welcome to Country ceremony. It is important to reach out at least two weeks before the event to ensure their availability and provide them with sufficient time to prepare.
Discuss the Format of the Ceremony
The Traditional Owners will guide you on the format of the ceremony, which can include various elements such as singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies, and/or a speech. It is important to respect their guidance and input, as they are the cultural custodians of the land.
Promote the Ceremony
It is essential to promote the Welcome to Country ceremony within your organisation, community group, or event attendees. This helps to raise awareness of the significance of the ceremony and ensures that all participants understand the importance of the cultural exchange.
Ensure a Respectful and Inclusive Environment
Creating a respectful and inclusive environment for the ceremony is crucial. This includes educating participants about the meaning and significance of the Welcome to Country and encouraging their active participation during the ceremony. It also involves ensuring that the physical space is accessible and comfortable for all involved.
By following these steps, organisers can ensure that the Welcome to Country ceremony is conducted appropriately and respectfully, honouring the cultural traditions of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the land.
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Frequently asked questions
A Welcome to Country is a ritual or formal ceremony performed as a land acknowledgement at many events held in Australia. It is performed by the recognised traditional owner of the land in question.
It is a way of highlighting the cultural significance of the surrounding area to the descendants of a particular Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clan or language group. It is also a way of making newcomers feel comfortable and connected.
The Welcome to Country has been a long tradition among Aboriginal Australian groups to welcome people from other areas. The term was coined by arts administrator Rhoda Roberts in the 1980s. The 1973 Aquarius Festival in Nimbin, New South Wales, is documented as Australia's first publicly observed Welcome to Country.
You should contact the Aboriginal Land Council relevant to the event location. All arrangements should be mutually negotiated between the Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Elder who has been selected to carry out the welcome, and the organisation. It is important that the Elder is introduced and acknowledged in a culturally appropriate manner.
An Acknowledgement of Country can be offered by any person and can be given at the beginning of a meeting, speech or event. It is a way of showing awareness of, and respect for, the Traditional Custodians of the land.
