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This guide will walk you through the importance of a Welcome to Country ceremony and how to respectfully arrange one for your show or venue, helping you foster a deeper connection with the First Nations communities of South Australia.

Contents

Understanding Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country is a profound and ancient ceremony performed by the Traditional Custodians of the land. It’s given at the start of significant gatherings, shows, or festivals, just like Fringe. These ceremonies can take many beautiful forms, from singing and dancing to smoking ceremonies or a simple, heartfelt speech. It's a way for Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors to their ancestral lands and acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country.

Why is a Welcome to Country Important?

Protocols for welcoming visitors have been a vital part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. By inviting Traditional Custodians to perform a Welcome to Country, we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land. It’s a powerful gesture that recognises their continuous spiritual and cultural connection to the land, water, and community, and it helps to create a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere for everyone involved in the Fringe.

How to Arrange a Welcome to Country

Organising a Welcome to Country is a straightforward process, but it's important to approach it with genuine respect and an understanding of cultural protocols. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you.

1. Find Out What Country You're On

Before reaching out, it's really helpful to know whose land you'll be on during your Fringe event. This shows respect and helps you connect with the right people. You can easily do this by:

  • Searching for your local government area or council and its Traditional Owners.
  • Finding where you are on the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia. This fantastic resource visually represents the language, social, or nation groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Find and Engage with a Traditional Owner to Perform a Welcome

Once you know which Country you're on, the next step is to find and approach a Traditional Owner to perform the Welcome. It's best to allow plenty of time for this, as Traditional Owners are often in high demand. Here are some resources that can help you connect:

  • Kaurna Register: For events in Adelaide, the Kaurna Register is an excellent place to start, listing approved Kaurna Welcome to Country providers.
  • Regional Networks: The Australian Government's Regional Network can help you identify key Indigenous organisations and contacts in your area.
  • Your local Aboriginal Land Council: These councils are community-based organisations that represent the interests of Aboriginal people in their respective areas. 
  • Your local Council: Your local council can provide guidance and contacts for Traditional Owners.

3. Appropriately Compensate Traditional Owners for Their Time

It’s essential to remember that a Welcome to Country is a professional service, and Traditional Owners should always be compensated fairly for their time, knowledge, and cultural labour. Prices can vary depending on the event's scale and the performers involved.

4. Continue to Learn and Be Respectful

Organising a Welcome to Country is just one step in fostering respectful relationships. Continue to learn about the local First Nations cultures, ask questions respectfully, and build ongoing relationships with the Traditional Owners of the land. This deeper understanding will not only enrich your Fringe experience but also support respectful engagement long into the future.

Summary

  • A Welcome to Country is a vital ceremony performed by Traditional Custodians to acknowledge their land and welcome visitors.
  • It's crucial to identify the Traditional Owners of the land your event is on, usually the Kaurna people in Adelaide.
  • Always compensate Traditional Owners appropriately for their cultural services, budgeting for their time and expertise.
  • Commit to ongoing learning and respectful engagement with First Nations communities to build lasting relationships.

Additional Resources