Words that welcome, acts that acknowledge

Let’s make Acknowledgement of Country mean something! Perhaps this concept is new for your students, or perhaps they hear
it every week at assembly. Either way, it’s time to dive in and equip them with the knowledge they need to understand what an Acknowledgement of Country is, how it differs from a Welcome to County and why it’s something we should all do, regularly and meaningfully. This unit offers you, as a professional, a chance to reflect on your practice and how you could incorporate cultural protocols into your classroom and school. It also asks students to do the same, and to explore the link between acknowledging Country as well as acknowledging Our History (especially the impacts of colonisation – The Wound) and building and maintaining respectful relationships with First Nations people and communities as an ally.

Please keep in mind, you don’t need to be an expert on this topic – we often learn alongside our students.

While this resource has been created so it can be taught in a linear fashion, feel free to start small. You may prefer to select a single activity that connects to what you’re teaching or about to teach. Even small actions can make a big difference.