What is a Welcome to Country?*

Traditional owners, normally elders, welcome people to their land via a small ceremony. It is a very meaningful recognition and is made through a formal process. However, the elder can decide how to carry out the ceremony. Furthermore it depends on the location of the event and the practice of the particular Aboriginal community, which can differ according to the area. A ‘Welcome to Country’ can be a simple speech or a performance like a song, a traditional dance, a didgeridoo piece or a combination of these different forms of art. ‘Welcome to Country’ should always occur at the start of an event, if possible at the very opening.

Posted in: About Aboriginal Culture