Welcome to Country
vs Acknowledgement of Country
Understanding the difference between these two protocols is an important part of showing respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What is a Welcome to Country?
A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by Traditional Owners or Custodians (or their descendants) of the land on which an event or gathering is being held.
It is an ancient protocol that has been practiced for thousands of years. When Aboriginal peoples visited another nation's country, they would wait at the boundary until they were formally welcomed by the Traditional Owners. This ensured safe passage and showed respect for the land and its people.
Key points:
- Can only be performed by a Traditional Owner or Custodian of that specific land
- May include a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo performance, song, dance, or spoken word
- Each Welcome is unique — the Traditional Owner decides its form and content
- It is a significant cultural honour to receive a Welcome to Country
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement made by anyone — Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal — to show respect for the Traditional Owners of the land on which a meeting, event, or gathering is taking place.
Unlike a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement can be given by any person. It is a way to pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' ongoing connection to land, waters, and culture.
Key points:
- Can be performed by anyone — you don't need to be Aboriginal
- Should name the specific Traditional Owners of the land where you are
- Should pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging
- Most meaningful when spoken from the heart — not just read from a script
How to Give an Acknowledgement of Country
There's no single "correct" way, but here are some guidelines and examples to help you.
Step 1: Find out whose land you're on
Use the location search on our home page or the interactive map to identify the Traditional Owners.
Step 2: Learn the correct pronunciation
Take time to learn how to correctly pronounce the nation's name. If you're unsure, contact the local land council or ask a community member.
Step 3: Make it personal and genuine
Speak from the heart. A genuine, brief acknowledgement is more meaningful than a long, rehearsed one.
Example Acknowledgements
Formal
"I would like to acknowledge the [Nation name] people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples present. I acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that this always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land."
Conversational
"Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that we're meeting on [Nation name] country. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. This land has been cared for by Aboriginal peoples for over 65,000 years, and I'm grateful to be here."
Brief
"We acknowledge the [Nation name] people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging."
When Should You Give One?
Acknowledgements are appropriate at:
- Meetings, conferences, and workshops
- School assemblies and university lectures
- Workplace events and team meetings
- Public speeches and presentations
- Community events and gatherings
- At the start of podcasts, webinars, or broadcasts
- On your website, email signature, or social media