Welcome to Country + Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to Country

Only the Traditional Custodians of the land where the event takes place can deliver a Welcome to Country. 

Acknowledgement of Country

An Acknowledgment of Country is a way to acknowledge and pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing Custodians of the land.  

• You can do an Acknowledgment to Country at every session.
• You can do an Acknowledgment of Country at formal events such as carnivals, championships and Centre awards nights.
• An Acknowledgment of Country should form the first agenda item for all board and committee meetings.  
• An Acknowledgment of Country can be given by non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  
• There is no specific wording required for an Acknowledgment of Country and you are encouraged to adapt and expand the Acknowledgment to suit the context. For example, you may wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal People’s commitment to science during science week or their dedication to family during Children’s Week.  

Suggested wording could include: 

“I begin today by Acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather (insert Custodian name) and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People here today and recognise the wonderful contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People make to Little Athletics across Australia.” 

We encourage you to research and find out which mob is the Custodian of the land at your Centre and acknowledge them specifically.  

For more information:

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/acknowledgement-of-country-and-welcome-to-country

https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/welcome-country