Source: Reconciliation Australia
An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
An Acknowledgement of Country can be offered by any person and like a Welcome to Country, is given at the beginning of a meeting, speech or event.
There is no specific wording for an Acknowledgement of Country, just be sincere and, if possible, do some research on the Country you are acknowledging. Currently all of Rise’s services and centres are on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation and you can read a little more about the Whadjuk region here.
Suggested wording could include:
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present.
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, the (people) of the (nation) and pay my respects to Elders past and present.
Find out more
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ Map of Indigenous Australia and Reconciliation Australia’s Acknowledgement of Country guide are great places to find out more.