Acknowledgement of Country.
Over the years, Welcomes to and #AcknowledgementsofCountry have become a lot more known in Australia. For #FirstNationpeople, this has given hope to many traditional owners as people getting the recognition they deserve.
Welcomes and Acknowledgements bring #awareness to the #devisecultures that live in #Australia. And understanding First Nation people are the custodians of the land.
We will explain how to do an Acknowledgement of Country? And how can you do it well?
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How to Write an Acknowledgement of Country With Kids. When it comes to respecting and honouring the traditional owners of the land on which we play, walk and live, there’s something special about young children understanding the meaning behind an Acknowledgement of Country, and being able to work together to write their very own. This understanding also allows them to show respect, appreciation and a willingness to learn more.
So, we chatted with some of our wonderful teacher Ambassadors – Jordyn living on Kombumerri Country and Tramain from the Bundjalung people for some hints and tips on how to write an Acknowledgement of Country with kids.
How gorgeous is this simple display featured at a Pre-School? It’s a great reminder for all visitors to pay their respects to the land they walk on. Plus, the simple vocab means that the younger children understand the vocabulary!
Thanks for this great image: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Acknowledgement-of-Country-Poster-4099495
What’s the Difference Between Acknowledgement to Country and Welcome to Country?
Before we explain this sort of information to our students, it’s particularly important that we fully understand and appreciate the difference ourselves.
The teachers in the Teach Starter office completed a certificate through Queensland University of Technology (QUT) called – Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Education. It was through this course that I watched this TED Talk that really resonated with me and I just had to share it with you all. It’s worth a watch…
How do you explain the difference between an Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country to our little learners?
I love how Scott Kneebone explains the difference in a kid-friendly way.
“A Welcome to Country is like you’re hosting a birthday: you do a welcome and say thank you for coming to my birthday. And an Acknowledgement of Country is like if you’re a guest at the birthday: you would say thank you for having me.”
What to Include In an Acknowledgement of Country
You must specify and describe the Country you are on (e.g. ‘pay respects to Elders who have cared for the mountains, rivers, sea and sky where our school is located on ______ Country.’) –
Always name the Mob in the Acknowledgement. If the land is contested (eg. Brisbane) always name both or all Mobs.
Use traditional names (instead of English names – where possible) for significant areas important to you and your local Aboriginal community.
Pay respects to Elders (past and present).
“Elders are the backbones of our communities, and the knowledge keepers of our culture. So, acknowledging them is important. but it doesn’t need to be in those exact words.”
Hints and Tips for Writing your Acknowledgement of Country.
Ask the local community how they would like to be acknowledged before discussing with your class. You can contact your local AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group). Jordyn did this when she moved interstate and was given a wealth of information about the local area and the preferred way to refer to the traditional custodians in the area.
Suggests deconstructing an already written Acknowledgement of Country with your class before re-creating your own class Acknowledgement of Country.
Takes her students for a walk around the school and talks about all the natural elements (we’re acknowledging more than land e.g. sky, waterways etc. ) and the stories connected to them.
Expresses that Acknowledgements don’t need to be limited to assemblies and special events where Aboriginal people are expected to attend. They should occur as a sign of respect whether Aboriginal people are present or not – including classrooms!