Protocols

Welcoming visitors to Country has been practised by Aboriginal Peoples for many thousands of years. First Nations who travelled across land into another Nation or language groups’ Country were required to seek permission to enter. Once permission was granted by the Traditional Owners, a Welcome to Country would be conducted. This may have included the offering of a safe passage and protection of spiritual well-being during their journey through the Traditional Owner’s Country. 

While visitors were provided with a safe passage, there was also an obligation to show respect for the local protocols while on another Nation’s Country. In contemporary Australia, the Welcome to Country ceremony has been adapted to suit contemporary life. However, the gesture and meaning of Welcome to Country ceremonies for example, welcoming visitors and offering safe passage, remain the same today.

Welcome to Country ceremonies are appropriate for the most important events and can be arranged for occasions, such as meetings and conferences and can involve smoking ceremonies, singing, dancing or a speech in traditional language and/or English.

 

A Welcome to Country should be conducted by an Aboriginal Traditional Owner and custodian of the Country on which the event is being held. Often Elders will give a Welcome to Country, and First Nations have different practices regarding who can do a Welcome to Country. Advice from Traditional Owners should be sought as to the most suitable representative to conduct a Welcome to Country.

 

Acknowledgement of Country
Since colonisation, Aboriginal Peoples have experienced a long history of colonialism and its impact, including social and political exclusion, and the failure to acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples existence and experiences. Recognising Traditional Owners and their connection to Country is an important and respectful protocol. An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for staff and students to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal Peoples to Country.

 

If the opening of an event does not have a Welcome to Country, a formal Acknowledgement of Country should be given. The Acknowledgement of Country protocol applies for UniSA public events, meetings, or events being held in various locations across South Australia.