Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Cultural Protocols
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander readers should be aware
that this document may contain
images or names of people who
have since passed away.
Introduction
Oxfam Australia’s vision is of fair world in which people control their own lives, their basic rights are achieved and the environment is
sustained. We support all Australians to achieve their potential on a basis of equity and respect.
Oxfam Australia (OAus) recognises the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Australians.
We acknowledge the special relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with their traditional lands and waters,
as well as their unique history and diverse culture, customs and circumstances.
Purpose
These cultural protocols provide guidance for OAus staff and volunteers to ensure their work respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultural beliefs and practices.
What are Cultural Protocols?
Protocols are ethical principles which guide behaviour in a particular situation. These protocols are designed to protect Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultural and intellectual property rights.
1
The protocols pave the way for improving working relationships between
OAus and its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, and consequently for achieving better program outcomes.
Cultural and intellectual property rights include the right for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to:
• own and control their cultural and intellectual property;
• ensure that any means of protecting their cultural and intellectual property is based on the principle of self-determination;
• be recognised as the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures and so regulate how stories and information
are presented;
• authorise or refuse the use of their cultural and intellectual property according to customary law;
• maintain the secrecy of their knowledge and other cultural practices;
• be given full and proper attribution for sharing their heritage;
• control the recording of cultural customs and expressions, the particular language which may be intrinsic to cultural identity,
knowledge, skill and teaching of culture.
2
Why do we need Protocols?
Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have borne the brunt of extreme prejudice, discrimination and
misunderstanding, and their interests, rights and concerns have often been dismissed or ignored. The introduction of cultural
protocols represents an important step towards understanding, respecting and representing Indigenous world-views, encouraging
culturally appropriate working practices and valuing the cultural diversity that enriches, motivates and drives OAus forward.
“Agreeing to comply with the accepted protocols of other cultural groups promotes interaction
based on good faith and mutual respect, thus encouraging ethical conduct.”
3
OAus’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols recognise the diverse cultures and traditions that make up Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Australia, and are based on recognition, consultation and respect.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are complex, dynamic and evolving; therefore
protocols may change according to the particular group or community in question. With this in
mind, consultation needs to take place on a case-by-case and ongoing basis.
OAus recognises that improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will only be achieved when effective and
respectful partnerships are established with them, their communities and their organisations.
1 In line with Article 31, United Nations Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples, 2007
2 Our Culture: Our Future, Terri Janke, n.1, pp47-48
3 Listen, Learn and Respect: Indigenous cultural protocols and radio, Terri Janke and Nancia Guivarra, Terri Janke & Co P/L 2006
Principles
These protocols give practical expression to a fundamental human rights principle that: “Indigenous peoples have a right to own
and control their Indigenous cultural and intellectual property”
4
that is, they have a right to protect their Indigenous heritage.
The following values and principles provide a framework for implementing OAus’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultural protocols:
5
1. Respect
The rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to own and control their cultural heritage, and their rights and interests in
how they are portrayed (in images, text or the like), must at all times be respected and protected.
Proper consultation processes with appropriate cultural authorities should always be followed and approvals and permissions sought
accordingly. Respect the communal nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social structures, timeframes and decision-making
processes: a group may have to wait for the “right” people to be present, and meetings may need to be scheduled around cultural
obligations or travel considerations (especially in remote locations). Understand that the consultation process may be lengthy as
each community needs time to consider and consult.
“Indigenous Australians, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are the original
inhabitants of Australia. It is [therefore] respectful to acknowledge country and custodians.”
6
Respecting rights to culture includes recognition of traditional land. Therefore, Traditional
Welcomes and acknowledging Traditional Custodians should be performed at the outset of any
meeting or event.
Traditional Welcome/Welcome to Country
Traditional welcoming ceremonies range from speeches of welcome and traditional dance, to smoking ceremonies. These ceremonies
are performed at the beginning of a forum by an Elder or appropriate member of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community
to welcome people who are visiting and/or meeting on their traditional land. Traditional Welcomes should be incorporated into the
opening of major internal or public events, meetings, forums and functions.
Acknowledging Traditional Custodians and Elders
Traditional Custodians should be acknowledged by the first speaker at any significant organisational forum with a range of
internal and external stakeholders present, as a mark of respect for the owners of the land on which the event is taking place.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians can occur with or without a Welcome to Country and/or when a small or less formal
gathering is taking place. Subsequent speakers may also choose to acknowledge Traditional Custodians.
Following acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians, the first speaker at a forum should also separately acknowledge all Elders,
past and present. Choosing the right words and forms of address is particularly important; always ask Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people how they wish to be addressed. This will ensure that you do not inadvertently say the name of someone who has
recently passed away as this may be prohibited under customary laws. Only use the terms ‘aunty’ and ‘uncle’ when invited to do so.
The format for acknowledgement is as follows:
“I would like to acknowledge the … people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land we meet
on today. I would also like to pay my respects to all Elders, past and present”
4 Article 31, United Nations Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples, 2007
5 Much of this material is sourced from: Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australia Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
6 Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
If you are unsure of the name of the Traditional Custodians in the area where you are speaking, it is better to avoid using the clan
name. Misidentifying the Traditional Custodians will cause great offense. In this case the acknowledgement should be:
“I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land we meet on today.
I would also like to pay my respects to all Elders, past and present”
Or, following a Welcome to Country:
“Let me begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of this land and extend a warm and
sincere thank you to them for welcoming us all to their country today. I would also like to pay my
respects to all Elders, past and present.”
The OAus Melbourne office stands on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri (pronounced
wuh-run-jeri) People of the Kulin Nation (pronounced Cool-en).
Acknowledging local sites of significance
The first speaker at a forum should recognise cultural or historical sites of significance when an organisational event is held on or
near such a site. Elders should be consulted for advice on how best to make such an acknowledgement.
2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Control
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be consulted and involved in all decisions affecting their cultural heritage and in
particular, on the ways in which their history, community, stories and interviews, lives, families and cultural and intellectual property
are represented and used.
Speaking to the right people is very important, especially in identifying who can represent clans to release
traditionally and collectively owned material, “…authority is given by genealogical descent, by ‘connection’
to community and place, and by the validation of elders”.
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Prior Informed Consultation and Consent
Consultation with the custodians of traditional knowledge/expression should include the risks and benefits of wider dissemination of
cultural material, as certain information or images may be unsuitable for circulation. Consultations should be thorough and accessible
and language used should be culturally appropriate.
3. Interpretation and Integrity
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be recognised as the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures.
Representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures should reflect their cultural values and respect their customary laws.
8
When writing about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues or choosing images to accompany text, it is important to consider how
the work affects the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are subjects of the story.
Before publishing ensure the material does not depict or expose confidential, personal and/or sensitive information or reinforce
negative stereotypes. Where possible ensure the material empowers Indigenous peoples and reflects their cultural identity.
Permission must be sought from the person who owns the story and any potential issues discussed with them prior to publishing.
7 Kim Scott in Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
8 Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
4. Secrecy and confidentiality
Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander material is unsuitable for public scrutiny.
Secret and Sacred Material
“Indigenous people have the right to keep secret their sacred and ritual knowledge in accordance with their customary laws.”
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Secret and sacred material refers to information that is restricted under customary law and so is unsuitable for publication.
Secret and sacred material should not, as a general rule, be published unless there are extenuating
circumstances; and even in these very limited cases, only where prior written permission has been
granted following extensive consultation with the relevant parties. Any approvals granted for the
use of sensitive materials in a particular instance, should be prominently displayed.
The Arts Law Centre of Australia recommends the following Traditional Custodian notice in artworks with traditional knowledge:
The images in this artwork embody traditional ritual knowledge of the (name) community.
It was created with the consent of the custodians of the community. Dealing with any part of
the images for any purpose that has not been authorised by the custodians is a serious breach
of the customary law of the (name) community, and may also breach the Copyright Act 1968.
For enquiries about permitted reproduction of these images contact (community name).
Personal privacy
Privacy and confidentiality concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s personal affairs should also be respected. Consult
with Elders and/or other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in authority to identify any sensitive, sacred or religious issues
that might prevent use of the material. Some types of personal information may require special attention.
Gender
Some images and knowledge may be gender-specific and may only be seen by initiated men and women. Gender-based works may
require the publisher to follow special communication procedures which should be discussed with the community prior to publication.
Representation of deceased people
In many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the reproduction of a deceased person’s name and image is offensive to
cultural beliefs.
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Please check with the ATSIP Program desk whenever you wish to reproduce an image, name or voice of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander. Approval must be sought in writing each time. When the ATSIP Program is alerted of someone’s passing, they will advise
appropriate units about removing any references to the deceased from all public arenas (eg. websites, photographic databases,
publications, community service announcements, etc).
Each time an image, name or voice is displayed publicly within OAus communications, this message MUST be displayed in a highly
visible position:
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this document / website may contain
images or names of people who have since passed away.”
(Please also refer to section 3 of Guidelines for Publishing Material, pg 8, — Sign off Procedures).
9 Indigenous cultural and intellectual property workshop, Oxfam Australia, presented by Terri Janke, Nov 2006
10 Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
5. Attribution
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be given proper credit or appropriate acknowledgement for their achievements,
contributions and roles in the development of media stories and/or use of cultural material.
Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. When story-gathering and interviewing, it is important to select
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for comment on Indigenous issues rather than relying solely on self-appointed non-
Indigenous spokespeople, as worldviews can differ.
When preparing acknowledgements and attributions, ask informants how they want to be described or identified — some may wish
to be known by their clan group or by their place of origin and/or occupation — as this will ensure accuracy for the purposes of
establishing an interviewee’s authority to speak and avoid stereotyping.
6. Sharing of Benefits
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to share in the benefits from use of their culture, especially where it is
being commercially applied.
Consider how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be included in your work, for example:
• engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisations in the area you are working, provide opportunities for them to
meaningfully participate and acknowledge their contribution;
• employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants;
• disseminate information and research to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, provide copies of images or published
works to the people involved;
• properly reimburse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the contributions they have made.
7. Legal Recognition and Protection
OAus supports the development and implementation of Australian laws and policies that respect and protect Indigenous rights to
cultural and intellectual property, by engaging in and supporting their partners’ advocacy and lobbying efforts.
You can contribute!
You can help keep these protocols alive by:
• raising awareness within your team by suggesting and supporting cultural awareness training opportunities;
• attending lunch time talks focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues;
• supporting Oxfam Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan;
• taking responsibility for building awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and issues, acknowledging the impact of
past policy and practice, and using appropriate language to promote good communication;
• consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues to ensure your material is culturally appropriate and whenever you
are uncertain of how to accord cultural respect;
• thinking of ways you can engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people outside of the workplace — for example: through
your local reconciliation action group, by disseminating information from your workplace to other organisations in your networks.
Recommended References
• Australia Council protocols for various Indigenous art forms, written for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board of the
Australia Council’s Culture Series can be found at www.ozco.gov.au
• Building better partnerships, Working with Aboriginal communities and organisations: a communication guide for the Department of
Human Services, Koori Unit, DHS 2006
• Message Stick, Cultural Protocols for Indigenous Reporting in the Media, Australian Broadcasting Commission
• Protocols for Media Access, Northern Land Council, Darwin
• Protocols for Photography, Film, Recording and Media, Central Land Council
• Respect, Acknowledge, Listen: Practical protocols for working with the Indigenous Community of Western Sydney, Community
Cultural Development NSW 2003
• The Greater Perspective: Protocol and Guidelines for the Production of Film and Television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Communities, Lester Bostock, SBS Corporation, Sydney, 2nd ed, 1997
• Writing Cultures: Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Literature, Terri Janke, Commonwealth of Australia 2002
If you have any comments or queries regarding these cultural protocols,
please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Program on (03) 9289 9444.
Some Guidelines for Publishing Material
1. Terminology
• Most Indigenous Australians prefer the terms Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person or peoples; “Aborigine/s” can have negative
connotations.
• The term “Aboriginal” does not include Torres Strait Islander people, and reference should be made to both if applicable.
• Never abbreviate the term “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander” as this may be offensive.
• Always use a capital for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous and Elder. The word “aboriginal” refers to an Indigenous
person from any part of the world and not to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.
• “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” is a collective name for the original people of Australia and their descendants.
Use “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” in the context of a nation, formal category or to emphasise the diversity of
languages, communities, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Both are acceptable depending on context.
• “First Australians” is a collective name for the original people of Australia and their descendants, and can be used to emphasise
that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples lived on this continent, prior to European colonisation.
• Because “Indigenous” is not specific, some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel the term should be avoided. Preference
should be given to the term “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander” as an adjective rather than “Indigenous”, as this more accurately
reflects their cultural heritage.
2. Collecting visual and audio resources
• Ensure photographer/videographer/multi-media crew are briefed about working according to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
cultural protocols;
• Ensure a photographer’s/ videographer/multi-media crew’s contract is prepared and approved by the relevant Creative Resources
team member;
• Ensure the correct release forms are obtained from the Creative Resources unit, and that these are signed by all subjects being
photographed/videoed/recorded or by their parent/guardian (if under 18) or community/clan representative. You should draw the
signatory’s attention to the fact that the release forms limit OAus’s use of images to 10 years, and that permission can be revoked
at any time by contacting OAus. Release forms must be returned to the Creative Resources team, along with the images or audio
recordings for filing;
• When collecting consents and releases for publication, take along examples of the materials for which OAus is gathering images.
3. Sign Off Procedures:
All OAus publications must be signed off by the Brand Manager and any images checked by the Visual Resources Coordinator prior
to publication. In addition, any materials — images, audio and/or text — dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or
issues, must also be signed off by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ (ATSIP) Program National Manager (or if absent,
by a Program Coordinator) (Please also refer to section 4, pg 5 — Secrecy and confidentiality, Representation of deceased people).
As a courtesy and in the interests of fostering good relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where
possible, stories or materials should also be checked with relevant community representatives prior to publication, and it is the
ATSIP Program National Manager’s (or if absent, the Program Coordinator’s) responsibility to decide whether this is essential on
a case-by-case basis.
Some Guidelines for Visiting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities
There are no set rules for interacting with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people. Different communities have their own
protocols which should be followed, and the approach you take
will often depend upon a community’s location — whether urban,
rural or remote. As every community is unique, we offer some
general guidelines:
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• Seek permission from the relevant local council or authority
to enter a community.
• It is considered courteous and respectful to send an initial
letter of intent, stating the purpose of your visit.
• Check with the relevant Land Council as to whether a permit
is required to enter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.
• Always seek permission before taking any photos or
video footage.
• In remote locations, remember that English is often a
second, third, fourth or fifth language. If necessary, use an
interpreter, keep technical terms to a minimum, speak slowly,
do not mimic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech
patterns and try to learn a few words of the local language to
improve relations and credibility within the community.
• An indirect communication style is common in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities, where being direct is
seen as confrontational. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people may thus delay expressing a firm opinion. Instead,
they may listen to others before offering their own view and if
it conflicts with others, will often understate it.
• Be sensitive of non-verbal cues. For instance, silence may
mean that people are listening, remaining non-committal or
waiting for community support.
• Body language is as important in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities as it is elsewhere, and may include —
lowering your eyes to avoid eye contact with older people or
authority figures, as this may be considered disrespectful;
not pointing when giving directions; avoiding body contact
such as friendly touching, jostling or touching the upper
torso or arm; shake hands only if initiated by the other party.;
always use formal addresses when talking to chairpersons
and persons of authority.
• Dress appropriately and modestly; in many communities
it is a sign of respect to cover the shoulders; it is always
inappropriate to wear short dresses or revealing shorts.
• “Why?” is virtually absent from conversations in remote
Australian communities and observation is used instead, as a
learning device, with people given information when they are
deemed ready for it.
• Be aware that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship
systems are complex and will impact on how you can interact
with members of a community.
For instance, avoidance relationships dictate that a son-
in-law cannot be in his mother-in-law’s presence or a
brother cannot use his sister’s name. In some communities
a brother-in-law may not speak directly to his sister-in-law,
and must speak through some else. This must be understood
at any formal meetings or negotiations.
• “Women’s business” and “men’s business” relates to
gender-specific knowledge and practices (specifically health,
well-being and religious matters) that cannot be known
or observed by the opposite sex. It is a mark of cultural
respect not to discuss traditionally female issues (“women’s
business”) in the presence of men and vice versa.
• Be aware that community members may prefer to deal with
people of their own gender. As a mark of respect your initial
approach should be to a person of the same gender.
• In traditional remote communities a young female should not
sit opposite a senior male.
• Choosing the right form of address is important in any
relationship, so ask Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people how they want to be acknowledged.
• Honor the importance of Elders; recognised Elders are
highly respected people within Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities.
• Be aware that there are many demands placed on Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations
which represent and deliver services to some of the most
disadvantaged clients and communities in Australia.
Organisations may be under-funded and have limited
administrative and management resources.
• There are also many pressures on those who work in or
represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
and perceived conflicts of interest may arise. Family and
community are important in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander life, and workers are often expected to help their
family and community before others. This leads to stress for
Indigenous employees when they are required to walk a fine
line between meeting the expectations of their community
and the legal requirements of their employment.
• Reflecting their disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities experience high death rates, including
suicides. This as a heavy load for communities to bear.
It is expected that all kin, including extended family, will
attend the rites associated with death. After a death, some
communities will shut down for “sorry business” despite
previous arrangements that may have been made for your
visit. For this reason, it is always advisable to contact
communities immediately prior to your arrival.
• During events of celebration or cultural significance, the
community will focus on the event and other business may
be postponed.
11 Much of this material is sourced from: Message Stick, Cultural Protocols for Indigenous Reporting in the Media, Australian Broadcasting Commission
Key Community Events
OAus staff are encouraged to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by attending and acknowledging the
following events:
26 January — Survival Day
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians choose to mark Australia Day as a day to highlight the invasion of Australia by
Europeans and to acknowledge the survival of their cultural heritage.
26 May to 3 June — National Reconciliation Week
This week begins with National Sorry Day on 26 May and ends with Mabo Day on 3 June.
26 May — National Sorry Day
This day marks the anniversary of the 1997 tabling of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission National Inquiry into the
Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, Bringing Them Home (April 1997).
3 June — Mabo Day
This day commemorates the anniversary of the 1992 High Court decision in the case brought by Eddie Mabo and others, which
recognised the existence in Australia of Native title rights. On the tenth anniversary of this day in 2002 there were many calls for the
day to become a public holiday, an official National Mabo Day.
1 July — The Coming of the Light Festival
The Coming of the Light festival marks the day the London Missionary Society first arrived in Torres Strait. The missionaries landed
at Erub Island on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region. This is a significant day for Torres Strait Islanders, who are
predominantly of Christian faith, and religious and cultural ceremonies across Torres Strait and mainland Australia are held on
1 July each year.
First full week of July — NAIDOC Week
The first Sunday of July sees the beginning of a week dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples to celebrate NAIDOC
(National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day Observance Committee) Week. It is a celebration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Island Peoples of their survival. It is also a time for all Australians to celebrate the unique contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander traditions and cultures and to bring issues of concern to the attention of governments and the broader community.
August — National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day
This day was first observed in 1988 and each year it has a special theme. The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
produce a poster to celebrate the day.
Information about these events can be obtained by:
• contacting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations;
• viewing Indigenous publications such as Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times;
• visiting websites, such as the ABC’s Message Stick;
• listening to local radio stations that contain Indigenous programming.
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12 This section was sourced from Building better partnerships, Working with Aboriginal communities and organisations: a communication guide for the Department of
Human Services, Victorian Government
Formal Demonstration of Respect
OAus affirms the significant place and identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as First Australians, recognises their
culture, history and diversity, and supports all Australians to achieve their potential on a basis of equity and respect. An important
aspect of this recognition is the acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Elders at OAus events, forums and public functions.
Protocol Description When to use it Notes
Welcome to Country Traditional welcoming
ceremonies are performed
at the beginning of a forum,
and only, by an Elder or
appropriate member of an
Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander community to welcome
people who are visiting and/
or meeting on their traditional
land. These ceremonies vary
from speeches of welcome,
to traditional dance and
smoking ceremonies.
Traditional Welcomes should
be incorporated into the
opening of major internal
or public events, meetings,
forums and functions.
Seek advice, including who
to contact from the ATSIP
Program Unit or The Koorie
Heritage Trust (for Victoria).
Plan well ahead to allow
for the availability of the
appropriate person to conduct
the ceremony.
A fee for travel costs and
the time given by community
members may be charged.
Acknowledging Traditional
Custodians
Acknowledgement of
Traditional Custodians can
occur with or without a
Welcome to Country and/or
when a smaller or less formal
gathering is taking place.
Traditional Custodians should
be acknowledged by the first
speaker at any significant
organisational forum with a
range of internal and external
stakeholders present, as a
mark of respect for the owners
of the land on which the event
is taking place.
Subsequent speakers may
also choose to acknowledge
Traditional Custodians.
Wording provided page 3
Make every attempt to
determine the name of the
Traditional Custodians in
preparation for an event,
but if you are uncertain a
general acknowledgement
is acceptable.
Acknowledging Elders The first speaker at a forum
recognises and pays respect
to Elders, past and present.
At major events,
acknowledgement of Elders
(past and present) usually
follows acknowledgement
of Traditional Custodians.
At events where the identity
of all participants is not
clear, it is important to
acknowledge Elders.
Elders can be acknowledged
by first name, any other term
should only be used with prior
approval (example Auntie
or Uncle).
Acknowledging local sites
of significance
The first speaker at a forum
recognises cultural or historical
sites of significance in the
vicinity of the meeting.
When an event is held near
a significant site.
For example, it may be
appropriate for an Elder
or community leader to
acknowledge the site of a
traditional meeting place or
of a massacre on behalf of
all present.
