Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
A Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country both show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The difference matters for the test: who can give each one, and what form a Welcome to Country can take.
What to remember
- Welcome to Country: performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian; usually the first item at an event.
- It can be songs, dances, smoking ceremonies or speeches.
- Acknowledgement of Country: anyone can deliver it, usually the Chair or MC.
- Both show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sample questions
What is a 'Welcome to Country'?Show answer
- A cultural practice by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian welcoming visitors to their traditional land
- A speech by the Prime Minister to open parliament
- The pledge made at a citizenship ceremony
A cultural practice by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian welcoming visitors to their traditional land. 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.
Who can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?Show answer
- Only the Governor-General
- Only an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian
- Anyone
Anyone. Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. At meetings and events it is generally done by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
When does a Welcome to Country usually take place at an event?Show answer
- Only on Australia Day
- As the first item of proceedings
- At the very end of the event
As the first item of proceedings. A Welcome to Country is usually the first item of proceedings to open an event.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 12. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.