Aboriginal peoples would often travel long distances by foot for trade. Travellers had to seek permission from the Traditional Custodians of the land when travelling through different Country. Once the Traditional Custodians granted permission, they would welcome the visitors and offer them safe passage and the protection of their ancestral spirits during the journey. The visitors would show respect to the protocols and rules of the Aboriginal custodians while on their Country.
A Welcome to Country is a protocol to acknowledge, recognise and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the Country – it occurs at the start of a formal event or a meeting. It can include singing, dancing, a smoking ceremony, or a speech in Aboriginal language or English. This can be delivered by a Traditional Custodian of the land the event is taking place on. It can also be delivered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who has permission from Traditional Custodians to welcome visitors to their Country.
Aboriginal elder places eucalyptus leaves on fire for smoking ceremony to start Mardi Grass parade in Nimbin, Australia. A smoking ceremony is a traditional Aboriginal practise which is used to cleanse the area of bad spirits and ensure the success of the parade. iStock image by PDerrett, May 2017