CONCEPT TITLE: Defining Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country
1. Concept and definition
This assignment will focus on the concept of Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country, however more closely addressing Acknowledgment of Country. A Welcome to Country is a practice where Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodians/traditional owners welcome others to the land of their ancestors (Harrison & Sellwood, 2016). This practice can be executed through dance, song or speech. An Acknowledgment of Country differs as it can be delivered by either an indigenous or non-indigenous person. The acknowledgment raises awareness and pays respects to the elders; past present and future, and acknowledges them as the traditional custodians of the land which the event is being held on. These practices are generally carried out at significant and formal events involving people from other part of the country or from overseas (The State of Queensland, Queensland Government , 2017).
2. Personal relevance of concept.
In my senior years at John Paul College, Acknowledgment of Country was a practice that would occur at the commencement of formal event such as; assembles, presentation or awards nights. They were often spoken by students or teachers whom were from an indigenous background. Originally when the Acknowledgment of Country was spoken I did not understand the importance and value or why we had to partake in this practice. However, my view on this changed drastically when the school invited an elder from the Yugambeh Community. John Paul College is situated on the lands of two major language groups, the Yugambeh and Jaggera. Having an elder from the Yugmabeh community come educate and express their first people’s stories was confronting and eye opening. Personally, by learning about the history and stories of the traditional land owners where John Paul College situates made me appreciate what I had. Also, made me realise what the Yugambeh sacrificed and protected for so many years before the school even existed. Being introduced to the acknowledgment of Elders before formal events and ceremonies during school, I now have a greater respect and understanding of what the acknowledgement actually means as I go through university and experience other events after school.
3. Understanding of concept through reference to one example in relation to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island Peoples in Australia
As aforementioned, Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country are given at the commencement of important and formal events. In Australia specially, an example of when an Acknowledgment of Country is appropriate would be at the opening of a sporting event. In 2017, the Australia Kangaroos competed in the Rugby League World Cup and began a tradition of a pre-game performance to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land. In the performance one of the players gave a verbal recognition, whilst an elder from the community played the Digeridoo. The team then united as one with pride and strength to create a visual of a boomerang. The idea originally came from star player, Johnathan Thurston; whom is of indigenous descent and proud of his background. When interview about why he came up with the idea he said, “It’s acknowledging the traditional owner of our country but also welcoming the other nations that are going to be playing on our soil” (Brust, 2017). Johnathan also reported to the Daily news, “I think it’s more about rugby league being an inclusive game and recognizing all parts of our history and heritage”. This is the exact purpose and reasoning for the importance of an Acknowledgment to Country before sporting events. At sports people often gather together from various nations, by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land it communicates the message that you are proud of Australia’s history, you embrace it, are ready to incorporate it in everyday life and not let the history be forgotten. Sporting events in Australia are and will always be held on lands which belong to indigenous people, by playing on these grounds and acknowledging the traditional custodians you give your respect, thanks and gratitude.
4. Understanding of concept through reference to one example in relation to Indigenous peoples internationally
Whilst a Welcome to/Acknowledgment of Country relates directly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, other indigenous people internationally have similar practices and ways of showing respect to the traditional land owners. For example, in New Zealand they have a dance known as the Haka. The word itself means song or dance. However, the Haka was traditionally used as a war dance, which was performed as a pre-battle challenge to their opposition (Jackson & Hokowhitu, 2002). Nowadays the Haka is used as a symbol of strength, pride, passion and is performed at various events. One of the significant events the Haka is performed at is the commencement of sporting events played by the New Zealand All Blacks. The players display as one unit and in unison recite the Haka in junction with the actions. The team is mostly Maori’s however, players of non-indigenous (non-Maori) backgrounds are involved and included. The Haka at sporting games is the equivalent of the Acknowledgment of Country, which has become a ritual for the Australian Kangaroos. The Haka has become a custom for the All Blacks and serves as a sign of respect and pride as there represent their country. This is simply one example of how indigenous people internationally incorporate a form of Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country, however different nations will have their own variation to acknowledging their traditional owners in their respective ways.
5. Conclusion
The Welcome to/Acknowledgement of Country is a sign of respect to the custodians of the land which we live on and acknowledges them as the rightful owners. I am fortunate that learning about these customs were a part of my schooling and I am now able to be a continuous learner, in relation to further educating myself about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways. It is important that we understand how these practice in fact serve an important role in today’s society. This concept is a topic which I am passionate and grateful to be able to understand and one day be able to educate upcoming generations about.