Traditions — Welcome & Acknowledgement
Two important traditions you will encounter in Australian public life are the Welcome to Country and the Acknowledgement of Country. Both are practices that show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their ongoing connection to the land.
At the beginning of your citizenship ceremony, you may be welcomed by a representative of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are the traditional owners of the land in your area. This Welcome to Country protocol has been practised by Indigenous Australians on their traditional homelands for thousands of years.
Welcome to Country
A Welcome to Country is a cultural practice performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land. This was traditionally performed to ensure visitors had a safe and protected journey during their time on that land.
A Welcome to Country can take place through many forms:
A Welcome to Country is usually the first item of proceedings to open an event.
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity to:
→ Recognise that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land
→ Pay respect to Traditional Custodians, particularly Elders past and present
→ Pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in attendance
An Acknowledgement of Country is usually delivered as part of the Welcome and Housekeeping at meetings and events. Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. At meetings and events, this would generally be done by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Why These Practices Matter
Both practices are performed to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their deep, unbroken connection to the land. They are a formal acknowledgement that Indigenous Australians have been the custodians of this land for tens of thousands of years.
At Your Citizenship Ceremony
At the beginning of a citizenship ceremony, you may be welcomed by a representative of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are the traditional owners of the land in your area. This is the Welcome to Country protocol — one of the oldest continuing cultural practices in the world.
Key Points to Remember
- Welcome to Country — performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region
- It welcomes visitors to traditional land; originally ensured a safe and protected journey
- Forms include: songs, dances, smoking ceremonies, or speeches
- Always the first item of proceedings at an event
- Acknowledgement of Country — anyone can deliver it
- It recognises the gathering is on Aboriginal/TSI land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians, Elders past and present
- Usually part of the Welcome and Housekeeping; delivered by the Chair or MC
- Both practices show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples