What is a Welcome to Country?
A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their land. It can only be given by a Traditional Owner or an authorised elder.
Welcomes to Country continue an ancient protocol. In the past, people travelling through another group's lands sought permission, and hosts offered welcome and safe passage. Today, Welcomes are performed at the start of events such as conferences, sporting matches, school assemblies and openings of Parliament.
A Welcome can take many forms, including a speech in language and English, singing, dancing or a smoking ceremony. The content depends on the local group and the occasion.
Smoking ceremonies
In a smoking ceremony, native plants are burned to produce smoke, which is believed to cleanse and protect people and to ward off bad spirits. Guests may be invited to walk through the smoke.
Welcome to Country ceremonies became widespread at public events from the 1970s and 1980s. The first Welcome to Country at the opening of federal Parliament was held in 2008.
A Welcome to Country is different from an Acknowledgement of Country, which can be given by anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners.
Did You Know?
Event organisers usually pay elders for Welcome ceremonies, recognising their time and cultural knowledge.