Welcome to Country / Acknowledgement of Country

The following are guidelines developed by Speech Pathology Australia (the Association) for use by its members and staff.

Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country can only be performed by a Traditional Custodian or an Aboriginal Elder. A Welcome to Country can be arranged through the Local Aboriginal Land Council or Local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (also known as an Aboriginal Medical Service).

A Welcome to Country will be included at the beginning of each Speech Pathology Australia National Conference.

Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgement of Country allows for an individual, Indigenous or Non-Indigenous, to pay their respects to the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which they are residing, meeting or working.

An Acknowledgement of Country will be included at Association meetings chaired by:

office holders of the Association’s Board; or
Chief Executive Officer; or
a Branch Chair; or
a proxy chairing a meeting on behalf of any of the above; and
professional learning events (face-to-face or online)

Delivering an Acknowledgement of Country

There is no one way to provide an Acknowledgement of Country. The following are examples for use within the Association, but there is no required wording.

Face to face

Where a meeting is face-to-face and you know the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the meeting is being held:

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which meet today, the <Insert Traditional Custodians name> People of the <Insert name of Nation> Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and future. I celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their continuing connection to their culture, their lands, seas and waters across Australia.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples in attendance

If Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander peoples are attending the meeting, it is appropriate to acknowledge their presence. For example: I extend my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.

Virtual meetings and events

Where a meeting or event (e.g. professional learning event, webinar, or podcast) is being held online and the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the meeting is being held are known:

I acknowledge that I am hosting this <meeting/event> from the lands of the <Insert Traditional Custodians name> People. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and future. I celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their continuing connection to their culture, their lands, seas and waters across Australia. I also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the various lands on which we connect today.

If you don’t know the Traditional Custodians of the land on which you are meeting, you could contact your Local Aboriginal Land Council for further guidance or consult the Map of Indigenous Australia.

If you are unable to identify the Traditional Custodians, or where there is uncertainty, the following general acknowledgement is appropriate.

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas, and waters throughout Australia, and pay respects to Elders past, present and future. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language, and community.