Wedding Rituals 'Acknowledgement of Country' ~ Sydney Weddings or Regional Weddings
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
Acknowledgement of Country
If a Traditional Owner is not available to do a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement of Country can be delivered instead.
When
An Acknowledgement of Country is usually delivered as part of Welcome and Housekeeping at meetings and events.
It should be delivered at significant/large internal meetings or meetings with external participants e.g. branch meetings, inter-departmental meetings etc.
What
There are three types of Acknowledgement of Country:
Generic — this should be used if you don’t know the name of the people on whose land you are gathered, or if there are disputes about the land (multiple Aboriginal peoples identify as Traditional Custodians for that area). The words are:
'I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we today, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.'
Specific — this should be used where there are no disputes and you know the name of the people on whose land you are gathered. The words are:
'I would like to begin by acknowledging the people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we today, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.'
General (Australia wide – webinar / website / printed material) - The words are:
'In the spirit of reconciliation the [organisation] acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.'
You may also like to contact your local land council or one of our Regional Network offices for more advice about acknowledging Traditional Owners in your area.
Welcome to Country
Welcome to Country
Only Traditional Owners/Custodians of the land on which the event takes place can deliver a Welcome to Country.
To arrange a Welcome to Country in your area, contact our Regional Network office nearest you. They can provide contact details for a Traditional Owner/Custodian.
What is an ‘Acknowledgment of Country’? And should I have one at my wedding?
They’re important questions to ask, particularly in 2020 and beyond as the spotlight has been shone on racial disparities that exist within our society.
So many of us choose to get married at beautiful venues that make the most of the natural surrounds. Yes, we’re bloody blessed here in Australia. And with this privilege also comes the oft-forgotten fact that the country that we’re wedding on has traditional Indigenous Australian custodians.
A practice that we believe is absolutely worth considering for your wedding ceremony is to recognise these traditional custodians of the land on which your special day is taking place by incorporating an ‘Acknowledgment of Country into your wedding ceremony. It’s a way of showing respect for Aboriginal culture and heritage, as well as assisting to raise awareness of these two things within your immediate community.
So, how do you go about this? And at what point should you make this acknowledgment? We’re here to provide all the direction you’ll need.
Ask Janet to perform an Acknowledgement of Country at your Wedding Ceremony!
www.weddingsido.com.au
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