Indigenous cultural protocols

Indigenous cultural protocols

The development of respectful relationships between institutions, such as the University of Melbourne, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people  is an important step in the broader social movement towards reconciliation. Respect can be manifested in a number of ways. On formal occasions, respect can be demonstrated through the recognition of Indigenous Cultural Protocols.

Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country

There are two distinct Cultural Protocols – an Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country. The distinction between these protocols is important as it can cause offence if they are confused.

An Acknowledgement of Country is a statement of recognition and respect that is made by someone (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who is not a Traditional Owner of the Country or land on which the statement is being made. An Acknowledgement of Country can be offered as a formal or informal statement. Depending on your event, you may want to extend the acknowledgement to other Indigenous people who may be present or to the Indigenous leadership at the University.

A Welcome to Country is a statement of welcome that can only be made by a Traditional Owner of the land or Country on which the statement is being made. The Welcome to Country is also known as a Traditional Welcome. This allows Traditional Owners to give their blessing to the event. Only a representative from the Traditional Nation/Clan of the location at which the function is being held can provide a Welcome to Country.

There are no firm rules that distinguish those occasions when it is preferable for a Welcome to Country as opposed to an Acknowledgement of Country. However, for occasions of greater cultural significance it is preferable to follow the Welcome to Country protocol (such as an international conference with a large contingent of Indigenous participants, and significant cultural events such as Wominjeka). In the event that a Traditional Owner is unable to provide a Welcome to Country (such as unexpected illness or bereavement) an Acknowledgement of Country is an appropriate substitute.

Courtesies to Indigenous Australians

Indigenous Australians are using their intellectual property when they provide cultural services such as a Welcome to Country, dance and music performances, and ceremonies (e.g. a smoking ceremony). As such, they should be remunerated for these services.

Please ensure you have a long lead-time when booking these cultural services because leaving it until the last minute will often mean Elders and/or performers are not available.

Please email cultural-protocols@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

More information about cultural protocols