Lesson Guide for Primary School Aged Students
Understanding Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Download Welcome to Country Lesson Guide
Teacher Notes:
- Role of Welcome to Country: Explain that a Welcome to Country is a formal ceremony performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder or a person with cultural authority to welcome visitors to their traditional land. This ceremony may include speeches, dances, songs, and smoking ceremonies, and it is a way to acknowledge the connection between the land and its traditional custodians, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of visitors.
- Role of Acknowledgement of Country: Discuss that an Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, as a way to show respect for the traditional custodians of the land on which they stand. It is commonly used at the beginning of events, meetings, and gatherings to recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land.
- Cultural Respect: Emphasise that both the Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are important cultural practices that reflect deep respect and reverence for the land, its history, and its people. Highlight that these practices should always be conducted with sincerity and respect, as they represent an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Historical Context: Provide a brief overview of the history of these practices. Explain that the Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are not recent developments but have roots in ancient traditions. Elders would conduct these ceremonies when another group sought permission to enter or pass through their land, ensuring respect for the land and its people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always had a deep spiritual connection to their land, and these practices are a continuation of that relationship. Understanding this historical context helps students appreciate the significance of these ceremonies.
- Discussion on Connection to Land: Engage students in a discussion about what land means to them. Ask them to think about the places they feel connected to and why those places are important. Relate this to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connection to land, which is not just about ownership but about spiritual and cultural ties that have been maintained for tens of thousands of years.
Activity:
- Class Discussion on Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country: Begin by discussing with the class the concept of land ownership and connection to country in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Explore the reasons why these practices are essential for acknowledging the history, culture, and ongoing presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ask students if they have ever witnessed a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country. Discuss what it meant to them and why it might have been included in the event.
- Role-Playing a Welcome to Country: Create a scenario where students imagine they are visiting a new place or country. One student can welcome others to the land. Use this role-play to demonstrate the respect and significance involved in the Welcome to Country. After the role-play, discuss with students how it felt to be welcomed and how it might feel to be the person giving the welcome. This can help them understand the mutual respect inherent in the practice.
- Creating a Personal Acknowledgement of Country: Guide students in understanding how to create their own Acknowledgement of Country. Encourage them to think about the land they live on, its history, and the importance of recognising the traditional custodians. Provide students with an example of an Acknowledgement of Country, then have them draft their own. They should include statements that show respect for the land, its traditional custodians, and their enduring connection to the land. Allow time for students to refine their Acknowledgement of Country, focusing on making it meaningful and respectful.
- Sharing and Reflection: Have students share their Acknowledgement of Country with the class. Encourage them to explain why they included certain elements and what they learned about the significance of these practices. Use this sharing session as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of cultural respect and the value of acknowledging the history and ongoing significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Collective Class Acknowledgement of Country: As a class, work together to create a collective Acknowledgement of Country that can be used at the beginning of school events, assemblies, or other gatherings. This collective statement should reflect the values and respect that the students have learned throughout the lesson. Display the class-created Acknowledgement of Country in a prominent place in the classroom or school as a reminder of the lesson and its significance.
- Reflective Writing: Ask students to write a short reflection on what they learned about the importance of a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. Encourage them to consider how these practices help build respect and understanding between different cultures and why it’s important to continue these traditions today.