Understanding Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
Australia is home to the world’s oldest living cultures, and every part of this land has deep spiritual and physical meaning for its Traditional Custodians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. When we gather, work, or walk on these ancient lands, we must show respect for this unbroken connection. Two important ways we do this are through a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country.

What is a Welcome to Country?
A Welcome to Country is a special ceremony performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who have an unbroken physical, spiritual, and sacred connection to the land where the event is taking place. This ceremony is a way for Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors onto their ancestral land.
During a Welcome to Country, the hosts acknowledge the spiritual and sacred ancestors of the land. They seek protection and guidance from these ancestors for everyone present—those visiting or spending time on Country. This ceremony is a mark of respect and an invitation to walk safely and respectfully on ancient land.
Sometimes, if the Traditional Custodians are not available, other community members who have been given permission can perform a Welcome to Country on their behalf.

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a way for anyone, whether Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or non-Indigenous—to pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land. When we give an Acknowledgement of Country, we recognise the unbroken physical, spiritual, and sacred connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land where we stand.
This acknowledgment honors those who have maintained their connection to Country for thousands of years, as well as the spiritual ancestors who continue to watch over the land. Like a Welcome to Country, it is also about seeking protection and guidance for everyone present.

Why Are These Ceremonies Important?
Both Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are about respect. They remind us that we are gathering on land that holds deep meaning and history. These practices help us walk gently, listen deeply, and learn from those who know the land best.
By taking part in these ceremonies, we show our respect for the world’s oldest living cultures. We also seek spiritual guidance and protection as we spend time on Country, helping to build understanding and a shared future for all Australians.

Next time you hear a Welcome to Country or give an Acknowledgement of Country, remember: you are part of a living tradition that honors the land, its people, and its spirit.