What is a Welcome to Country?
A Welcome to Country ceremony is performed by Aboriginal Traditional Owners for people visiting their Country. It can include speeches, traditional dance or a smoking ceremony.
When should I arrange a Welcome to Country?
You should arrange a Welcome to Country for:
- major public events, forums, and functions
- events that are significant to, or have a broad impact on, Aboriginal people.
Only arrange a Welcome to Country in areas where Traditional Owners have been formally recognised.
How can I find the recognised Traditional Owners for an area?
The easiest way to find out who the Formally Recognised Traditional Owners are for an area is to consult the interactive map.
[link to map]
Can any Aboriginal person perform a Welcome to Country?
No. Only a representative of the formally recognised Traditional Owner group for that area can perform a Welcome to Country.
Where there is a Formally Recognised Traditional Owner group, you must only go to this group to organise a Welcome. Otherwise you are undermining the efforts Traditional Owners have made to come together".
How do I organise a Welcome to Country?
If your event is in an area with formally recognised Traditional Owners, you should:
- Identify the Traditional Owner corporation.
- Contact the Traditional Owner directly details can be found in the Table of Formally Recognised Traditional Owner corporations.
What if there are no formally recognised Traditional Owners in my area?
Do not book a Welcome to Country if there is no formal recognition.
Instead, you should give an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners [link] without naming a specific group.
Is there a fee for a Welcome to Country?
Most Traditional Owners will require at least a nominal fee to cover costs. A Welcome to Country that includes traditional dance and smoking ceremonies usually costs more. Any fees should be agreed with the Traditional Owners when planning the event. .
How can I find out who are the Formally Recognised Traditional Owners?
The easiest way to find out who the Formally Recognised Traditional Owners are for an area is to consult the interactive map.
More information
email: Aboriginal.heritage@dpc.vic.gov.au
phone: 1800 762 003
Updated