First Nations guidelines & engagement

• A cultural protocol conducted by the local First Nations Traditional Custodians of a particular area eg: Dhawaral Country within the Kiama Local Government Area and inclusive of all clan/tribe groups – that is, the First Nations people who have ancestral, cultural and custodial ties to the Land.
• The term Country in this context is broad: it covers Land, Waterways, Skies, Spiritual Connections, Cultural-lore (law), Language, Family and Identity.
• The Welcome to Country ritual historically arose when groups entered another’s Land (Country) and needed to be formally welcomed by the Custodians. It establishes permission, safe passage, and respect for cultural protocols.
• Today it can include speeches, songs, dances, smoking ceremonies, traditional-language or English depending on the local First Nations Community.
• It reinforces that we are all meeting on Land that has a deep heritage, culture and custodial responsibility, not just generic event space.

When should it be conducted?

• At the beginning of a formal event, particularly when the program includes cultural recognition, or when the event is of significant size/purpose (eg: public events, large gatherings, community events).
• If a Welcome to Country cannot be arranged (for example, if no recognised Traditional Owner available), then an appropriate alternative is an authentic Acknowledgement of Country.

Key things for event organisers

• Only the Traditional Owners of the Land can perform a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.  In Kiama, this is the local First Nations Traditional Custodians, the Traditional Owners of Dharawal Country within the Kiama Local Government Area and inclusive of all clan/tribe groups.

• It’s not just a formality: it reflects deep cultural meaning, identity and responsibilities. It should be planned and respected, not just tacked on, and furthermore, the event organiser needs to engage early with the relevant First Nations Community.
• Non-Indigenous people or First Nations people from outside the area should not conduct it.

Event organisers are responsible for contacting and arranging with the endorsed Traditional Owners directly. Contact Council's Community Development Officer (Aboriginal) for assistance on who to speak to.

• It is a statement or gesture that recognises the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land on which an event or gathering is held, and acknowledges their ongoing connection to Country (Land, Waters, Culture).
• Unlike a Welcome to Country, it can be delivered by anyone (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) and doesn’t require the speaker to be a Traditional Custodian of that land.
• It’s generally brief and can be adapted to many settings (meetings, online gatherings, reports) and supports the process of reconciliation by making visible the Indigenous presence, heritage and ongoing role in Australian society.
• Kiama Council is developing its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that will include suggested wording to use for an Acknowledgement of Country

When should it be conducted?

• At the beginning of a meeting, event or speech, especially when people are gathered on Traditional Owners’ Land.
• It is appropriate if a Welcome to Country is not possible (for example, no Traditional Owner is available to perform the Welcome, or it is a smaller or casual meeting).
• It can also be included in non-face to face formats: e-meetings, emails, websites, social media posts.