Published on Friday, 13 September 2024 at 12:13:48 PM
In May 2024, the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Aboriginal culture by reviewing and extending the Acknowledgement of Country policy. The policy has been enhanced to provide a clear and comprehensive framework, including guidance on when to include a “Welcome to Country” versus when to deliver an “Acknowledgement of Country”.
The revised policy includes key elements of respect for the Traditional Custodians, examples of appropriate events for these recognitions, and outlines clear objectives. These objectives are central to the Shire’s commitment to fostering respect and understanding of Aboriginal culture within the community.
The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Policy is designed with the following objectives:
- To acknowledge the Kaneang, Pibelmen, and Wadandi peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes is situated and to demonstrate respect for the original custodians.
- To support the wider community in recognising, respecting, and sharing in Aboriginal culture and heritage to improve community relations and understanding.
- To provide direction to Councillors and employees on the delineation between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country and when each should be used.
- To ensure that the Acknowledgement of Country is included in all Council communications (eg website, social media, significant corporate documents and publications, public spaces, etc).
The revised policy also incorporates the previously adopted Acknowledgement of Country, which was written by respected local Elder Sandra Hill and approved by the Aboriginal Corporations that represent the cultural and heritage interests of these groups, Karri Karrak, Naala Karla Booja and Wagyl Kiap.
The Acknowledgement of Country has also been developed to offer to community to use and now reads:
Acknowledgement of Country – Meetings and Formal Events/Functions:
“We acknowledge the cultural custodians of the land on which we gather, the Kaneang, Pibelmen, and Wadandi people. We acknowledge and support their continuing connection to the land, waterways, and community. We pay our respects to members of the Aboriginal communities and their culture; and to Elders past and present, their descendants still with us today, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”
Acknowledgment of Country – Written
“We acknowledge the cultural custodians of the land, the Kaneang, Pibelmen and Wadandi people. We acknowledge and support their continuing connection to the land, waterways and community. We pay our respects to members of the Aboriginal communities and their culture; and to Elders past and present, their descendants still with us today, and those who will follow in their footsteps.”
Download Policy G4 – Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
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