Welcome To Country

Welcoming visitors to our Country has been a part of our tradition for tens of thousands of years.

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A Welcome to Country can be a short speech in English or in Ngarrindjeri language, or both. It can also include:

• Singing

• Dancing

• Music (both contemporary and traditional)

• A smoking ceremony

• An introduction to language

You can make a Welcome to Country booking by contacting admin@ngarrindjeri.org.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgment of Country is given by a person who is not Ngarrindjeri – usually at the beginning of a meeting or event where speeches and/or performances are given. It shows your awareness of and respect for the Ngarrindjeri Nation where your meeting or event is being held. Most importantly, it recognises the special connection that we, the Ngarrindjeri Nation, have to our Country.

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There is no formalised wording. If given on Ngarrindjeri Ruwe (land), an Acknowledgement to Country could be something like:
“I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, and we pay respect to their elders past and present.”

 

We encourage visitors to deliver a personal reflection so that is more meaningful to you and your audience.

For example;

“I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri Nation and we acknowledge their responsible stewardship over many thousands of years in caring for this country. We pay our respects to Ngarrindjeri both past and present for their continued advocacy and leadership today.”

 

Why are these Protocols important?

A Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country is an important recognition of the Ngarrindjeri Nation’s association with our land and our place as First Australians. The concept of nations existing within nations is a familiar one amongst many of our closest allies including the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

 

Here in Australia, there are no treaty rights with First Nations. As with many other First people's in this country, Ngarrindjeri people have experienced a significant detriment due to colonisation. But, despite this, we remain strongly connected to the Country of our ancestors.

 

We are the traditional custodians of this land and we will continue to govern this land, as we have done for tens of thousands of years.