Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

The yarn

• A Welcome to Country is a cultural practice performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land.
• It can take many forms — songs, dances, smoking ceremonies, or speeches in traditional language or English. It's usually the first item of proceedings at an event.
• An Acknowledgement of Country recognises that the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians, particularly Elders past and present.
• Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country — usually the Chair or Master of Ceremonies. Only a custodian of the local land can deliver a Welcome to Country.