More Than Words: Why We Acknowledge Country

An Acknowledgement of Country is a simple important act. It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Custodians of the land, and that this connection to Country — land, waters, and skies — has been maintained for tens of thousands of years.

It is not a just a script. It is an act of respect, truth-telling, and recognition.

Acknowledgements are different from a Welcome to Country, which can only be performed by Traditional Owners or Elders of the land. An Acknowledgement, however, can be given by anyone, anywhere — at meetings, events, or even in everyday spaces.

At its core, it is about pausing to recognise:

• we are on Aboriginal land 

•  sovereignty was never ceded 

• and First Nations knowledge and custodianship continue today 

The practice of Acknowledgement is supported across Australian institutions, including the Reconciliation Australia, which recognises Acknowledgement of Country as a meaningful step toward reconciliation and shared understanding.

How to do an Acknowledgement

There is no single “correct” script. The most important thing is that it is genuine and respectful.

A simple example:

“I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today, and respect their knowledge…..

Where possible, name the Nation:

“I acknowledge the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of this land…”

You can also add your own reflection — why the land, environment, or community matters to you.

Why it matters

Acknowledging Country is not about the past — it is about the present and the future. It is a small but powerful way of recognising ongoing connection, responsibility, and care for Country.

When done with intention, it moves beyond words and becomes part of how we respect place, people, and environment in everything we do.