The Importance of Respecting Culture
Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Aboriginal cultures are numerous and diverse, made up of hundreds of different kinship and language groups that have adapted to diverse living conditions throughout Australia over many thousands of years.
It is essential that when learning about Australia’s Indigenous peoples and their cultures, that educators are culturally sensitive, respective and competent. This involves acknowledging and respecting multiple cultural ways of knowing, seeing and living, and understanding, honouring and celebrating diversity and difference. Furthermore, in order to be culturally competent, it is essential that educators are aware of their own worldview and are open to gaining knowledge about different cultural practices and worldviews.
When implementing this resource and any other subject areas which explore our countries Indigenous peoples, it is crucial to ensure-
- Respect for Aboriginality
- Respect for the rights of the traditional owners of artworks, songs, stories and dances
- Use of accurate and up-to-date resources
- Accessibility for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is one
way that educators can show their respect
for the unique and remarkable Indigenous
peoples by acknowledging them as the
traditional owners of the lands. It
recognises a strong and proud Aboriginal history
and complex ownership and land stewardship systems stretching back many thousands of years.
You may wish to commence your learning journey and subsequent lessons with this acknowledgement as it a respectful and culturally responsive practice, valuable to your learning journey, although it is optional, due to the informal nature of your teaching and learning environment.
Should you choose to do so, here are some guidelines on how to approach the traditional ‘Welcome to Country’.
If you are clear about whom the Traditional Owners of an area are, you should say:
"Our meeting/conference/workshop is being held on the traditional lands [or country] of the [Traditional Owner group's name] people and I wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners.
I would also like to pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders from other communities who may be here today."
If you are uncertain about whom the Traditional Owners of an area are, you should say:
"I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land [or country] on which we are meeting. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders from other communities who may be here today."
Please click here to read more about traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ offerings.
