In the naming of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples we can use the following commonly supported terms – Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous and First Nations. Such terms however are non-Indigenous communications. Where it is known the preferred term for naming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Communities should be used from that part of country. As an example, the Gadigal People are the Traditional Owners of country in the Sydney city region and the Kaurna People
are the Traditional Owners of country in the Adelaide where our two main offices are located. You can easily research your part of country to find this information if you are unaware.It is not appropriate to use terms such as ‘the Aborigines’, it is appropriate to use terms such as Aboriginal peoples, Aboriginal nations or Aboriginal language groups.Welcome To Country
A Welcome to Country is an official ceremony performed by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander a senior man or woman Traditional Owner / Elder originating from the Country the event is held upon. A Welcome to Country is delivered at the commencement of the event before all other matters. The Welcoming Ceremony continues the long-held tradition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups in welcoming all visitors to the land that they are on out of respect for that country, the peoples of that country, the sacred customs, rules and lore that govern that country.
Acknowledgement To Country
An Acknowledgment of Country is a way by which all people can express respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their ongoing connection with Country
There may be times when a senior traditional owner is not available to deliver a Welcome To Country. An Acknowledgment of Country can be delivered in its place at school events, fairs, sporting events, formal functions, meetings, lectures, seminars, forums, workshops and anywhere there is a gathering of participants. This includes virtual events where all parts of Country should be acknowledged if possible. On such occasions, an Aboriginal person not from that part of Country can deliver the Acknowledgement To Country or the School Principle, Headmaster, Chair or Speaker may begin by acknowledging that the event is taking place on the lands of the Traditional Owners.
Your Acknowledgment of the Aboriginal People, Traditional Owners and Country shows your appreciation of the importance the land and traditions are to local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Your Acknowledgement also expresses commitment to work in partnership with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect traditional land, culture and history.
Smoking Ceremony
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples practice smoking ceremonies for the cleansing of bad karma and spiritual healing. Smoking Ceremony may promote good health and well-being through the use of many different ecalyptus trees, semi-dried leaves being burnt to create the smoke. They are an integral part of connecting people to their land and of protecting them from the influence of powerful and ancient ancestral beings whom have roamed the earth since to times of creation. Smoking ceremonies can also be a way of connecting with country by speaking to and acknowledging the ancestors or old people.
Aboriginal Incursions
What better way to teach students than with our amazing teams of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander facilitators whom love bringing their knowledge, culture and energy to the children and young students.
Our people connect with students and deliver First Nations cultural Immersions they will never forget.