Respect, acknowledge and listen
We follow a 'respect, acknowledge and listen' practical protocol for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Canterbury-Bankstown.
We value our culturally diverse community and we are committed to extending the process of reconciliation in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We at Council have been advised by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on key issues of interest to them, and will promote cooperative approaches on these issues.
The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party collaborated on producing the Respect Acknowledge and Listen Practical Protocols for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities to better enable this working relationship.
The cultural protocols of Darug people
- Darug people are the Aboriginal owners of all land and waters of Canterbury-Bankstown , including all identified Aboriginal living areas.
- Aboriginal law requires respect for the cultural authority of the Aboriginal owners.
- We speak for our country and we have an obligation, along with our neighbours, to care for our country.
- Visitors should respect that we retain traditional knowledge, such as stories about significant sites.
- All visitors are responsible for their behaviour and should respect the guidance of Darug people, Gandangara Aboriginal Land Council and Metro Land Council.
- Learning about country is everybody’s obligation, including; visitors, residents, NGOs and government.
- Inappropriate behaviour reflects badly on Darug people & we do not accept it.
First Nations cultural protocols are important because they:
- Show respect: Observing protocols demonstrates respect for the cultural traditions, history and diversity of a community;
- Protect cultural rights: Protocols protect cultural and intellectual property rights;
- Improve working relationships: Protocols can improve working relationships and outcomes for communities; and
- Acknowledge others: Protocols are about acknowledging others as fellow humans and are based on kindness, compassion and good manners.
Some examples of First Nations protocols include:
- Respecting Elders;
- Acknowledging Country;
- Being aware of obligations;
- Seeking permission; and
- Consulting with traditional custodians.
To find out more about First Nations Protocols, you can view our CBCity First Nations Cultural Protocols document here. This has been developed in collaboration with our First Peoples Advisory Committee.
Read the protocols below.
Children’s Acknowledgment of Country
This Acknowledgement of Country video features some of the CBCity Children’s Centres and how they Acknowledge Country each day.
Welcome to and Acknowledgement of Country
Why do we need a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country?
As part of Aboriginal culture, Aboriginal people themselves acknowledge the ancestors for the lands on which they travel through. This is to let the ancestors know what we are doing here and to ask for safe passage. We wouldn’t go to another Country overseas, without finding out about their culture, customs, language etc, ensuring we are being culturally appropriate and respectful when visiting another country, so it’s only right we do the same here in this beautiful Country. By acknowledging the Country, we show respect to the Traditional Custodians who have lived here for thousands of generations before us.
There are many different Aboriginal Nations within Australia, with many different dialects, cultural practices and resources, depending on what their Nation’s land provides for them. It is important that we take on this responsibility, to find out wherever we go about the culture, people and languages of that land and show our respect to that land and people.
The process
The process of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country recognises the unique position of Aboriginal people in the Australian culture and history.
Aboriginal people are the Original Custodians of the land. It is important this unique position is recognised and incorporated as part of official protocol and events to enable the wider community to share in Aboriginal culture and heritage. This in turn facilitates better relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community, and we are honoured to do so.
The Acknowledgement of Country should take place at the beginning of any public ceremony or community event to recognise and respect the culture and heritage of the First People of Australia.
The type of ceremony performed at an event should be appropriate to the nature and size. When planning an event you should consult with Aboriginal staff within your school or workplace or see Office Support staff to provide advice on:
- The appropriate level of Aboriginal recognition.
- The appropriate ceremonies and performances.
- A community representative who should be contacted.
Two ceremonies can be performed:
- Welcome to Country by local Aboriginal people of that land
- Acknowledgment of Country by Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people, both children and adults.
Welcome to Country
The Traditional Custodians of the land, usually a senior representative of the local Aboriginal community, should undertake the Welcome to Country Ceremony.
However, this is dependent upon the location of the event and the practice of the community. Steps should be taken to ensure that the appropriate Aboriginal representative is invited to undertake the ceremony. It is very important that the Aboriginal representative has been involved in and is comfortable with the arrangements.
Acknowledgment of Country
An Acknowledgment of Country is a way that all people can show respect to Aboriginal culture and heritage, and the ongoing relationship of the Traditional Custodians of the land.
At the beginning of a meeting or function, a Chair or Speaker begins by acknowledging that the meeting is taking place in the country of the Traditional Custodians. Where the name of the Traditional Custodians is known, it is specifically used. Where it is not known, a general acknowledgement is given.
Local Aboriginal organisations such as the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Elders Council, etc, can provide advice as to who are the Traditional Custodians of the specific lands.
An example of 'Acknowledgment of Country' could be:
"I would like to show my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, on which this meeting takes place. I would like to respectfully acknowledge the _______________ people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand."