Acknowledgement of Country There are a range of protocols when
working beside indigenous communities. While traditional
practice of acknowledging the custodians and seeking permission
to enter or use resources from the land and sea have always been
in place in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies,
this practice is only starting to emerge as a growing convention
in today’s Australian society. Acknowledging custodianship of
the land at the commencement of meetings and forums pays respect
to the traditional custodians, ancestors and continuing
cultural, spirituals and religious practices of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander heritage and the ongoing relationship of
traditional owners with the land. It provides an increasing
awareness and recognition of Australia’s Indigenous peoples and
cultures. An Acknowledgement of Country should be made at the
following: - Formal meetings particularly those involving
visitors to the region. - Forums and workshops with other
organisations that are sponsored by t