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Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country
A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a small ceremony where traditional custodians, usually Elders, welcome people to their land. This is a significant recognition and is made through a formal process, although it’s up to the Elder how they decide to carry out the ceremony. It also depends on the location of the event and the practice of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community which can vary greatly according to region.
An ‘Acknowledgment of Country’ is a way that all people can show awareness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage and the ongoing relationship the traditional owners have with their land. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can perform ‘Acknowledgement of Country’. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the traditional custodians of the land (or sea) where the event, meeting, school function or conference takes place. It can be formal or informal.
The NATSICC Responsorial Acknowledgement for use by Parishes, Schools and Catholic Groups is featured at the bottom of this page.
Welcome to Country
A Welcome to Country is a traditional and sacred protocol of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, conducted by Elders or Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors onto their land. Practised for thousands of years, it is a deeply spiritual act that acknowledges the enduring connection between First Nations Peoples and their Country.
In Catholic schools and parishes, a Welcome to Country may take the form of a speech and, depending on local custom, may include cultural expressions such as song, dance, didgeridoo, or a Smoking Ceremony. This Welcome should always take place at the beginning of a gathering, preferably as the first item in the program or liturgy.
Welcome to Country Guide
A Welcome to Country can only be conducted by Traditional Custodians of the area, usually Elders, in which the gathering is taking place.
Who can conduct the ceremony?
Why is the ceremony conducted?
It is an opportunity for Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors to their land.
When should the ceremony occur?
Welcome to Country would normally occur at the beginning of an event.
Smoking Ceremony – A Sacred Act
A Smoking Ceremony, when included as part of the Welcome, holds profound spiritual significance. The smoke is used to cleanse and prepare the space and those present, promoting healing and peace. While Christ is our Redeemer and source of reconciliation, the Church recognises and values sacred cultural rituals that express the human longing for purification and closeness to God.
When incorporated thoughtfully, the Smoking Ceremony can reflect the spirit of the Penitential Rite in the Mass—uniting us with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in humility, healing, and shared faith.
We encourage schools, organisations and parishes to:
Engage local Elders or Aboriginal Catholic Ministries early in the planning process;
Meet beforehand to discuss the structure, expectations, and practicalities (e.g., smoke detectors);
Approach the Ceremony with openness, reverence, and a willingness to listen and learn.
For further guidance please consult with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry.
By honouring these traditions, we walk together towards reconciliation and continue building the Church Jesus calls us to be—welcoming, inclusive, and faithful.
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is a meaningful way for all people to show awareness and deep respect for the culture, heritage, and continuing connection that Traditional Custodians have with their lands and waters.
Acknowledging Country is a sign of respect offered to the Traditional Custodians of the place where a Mass, meeting, school assembly, community gathering, or event is held. It may be formal or informal, but its significance should never be reduced to simply a procedural step or ‘box-ticking’ exercise.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, many of whom who have endured exclusion, discrimination, and marginalisation, a sincere and respectful Acknowledgement can be a powerful act of solidarity and inclusion. When done with genuine intent, it speaks volumes.
To help you plan an authentic Acknowledgement:
If Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are present, do not presume that they will provide the Acknowledgement
Find out the name of your local Traditional Custodians here
Try to write your own Acknowledgement that is tailored to your area. Use it as an opportunity to educate and inform the congregation/group. The example we have provided below is an excellent starting point.
Be genuine and enthusiastic
Use correct terminology (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, First Nations Peoples and First Australians are acceptable)
Acknowledgement of Country Guide
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and non-Indigenous people can perform an Acknowledgement of Country.
Who can conduct the ceremony?
An Acknowledgement of Country is a way to show that you, your parish, school or organisation, are aware of the deep connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to lands and waters of the area on which you are gathering.
When should the ceremony occur?
An Acknowledgement of Country usually takes place at the beginning of an event, speech or presentation. It can also be used on websites, printed documentation such as Parish Bulletins and school newsletters.
Why is the ceremony conducted?
We acknowledge the _________ Peoples, the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.
If the Traditional Custodians are not known, substitute the language group with ‘We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land.’
Example acknowledgement:
In addition to spoken Acknowledgements of Country, consider physical acknowledgements in prominent and visible locations. This may take the form of signage at event entrances, printed statements in programs, documents, and Mass booklets, or slides at the beginning of presentations. These visible acknowledgements provide a constant reminder of respect for the Traditional Custodians and their enduring connection to the land, embedding recognition into every aspect of the gathering.
NATSICC has produced an Acknowledgment Plaque that are available for purchase in our online store.
Physical Acknowledgments
Leader: We are gathered on ……………….. Country
All: May God give abundant life to this land
Leader: We acknowledge the ………….. People (and their Elders past and present)
All: May Christ give his grace and peace to them
Leader: We honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are present here
All: May the Spirit give healing and wisdom to all.
Leader: May we become the Church Jesus wants us to be
All: Amen
NATSICC has created a Responsorial Acknowledgement of Country as a new option for use in the Mass and Liturgical settings.
Taking place prior to the Liturgy, it invites the Community to honour the Traditional Custodians of the land in a prayerful and participatory way. In the familiar pattern of call and response, we show respect for Country, for Elders, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples—drawing us into deeper communion as the Body of Christ.