What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement that recognises the Traditional Custodians of the land where a meeting or event takes place. Anyone, Indigenous or not, can give one.
A typical Acknowledgement names the Traditional Owners of the area and pays respect to their elders past and present. It is often given at the start of meetings, school assemblies, speeches, emails and websites.
Acknowledgements show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing connection to land, waters and culture. They recognise that the land was never ceded.
Making it personal
Many people try to make their Acknowledgement meaningful by learning the correct name of the local people and adding something personal about the place.
Acknowledgements are now common in government documents, on university and council websites, in email signatures and at the start of many broadcasts and flights. Some people mention their own relationship to the land, such as where they grew up.
They differ from a Welcome to Country, which can only be given by Traditional Owners. Local land councils and councils can usually advise on the correct name of the Traditional Custodians for a particular area, and maps such as the AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia show many group names.
Did You Know?
Some organisations display Acknowledgement of Country plaques in their buildings.