Today marks the start of celebrations and activities for National Reconciliation Week, which this year will use the theme “In This Together” and be acknowledged in the “virtual” space.
NSW Teachers Federation was the first education union to develop, initiate, share and involve all its members in the protocol of Acknowledgement of Country at all meetings, events and within all Department of Education settings.
Federation’s Aboriginal Education Coordinator Charline Emzin-Boyd has asked members to take up the challenge and share Acknowledgement of Country with their community and friends during the week.
“NSW Teachers Federation has been ‘In This Together’ for all our students and their communities,” Ms Emzin-Boyd said.
“Federation respectfully acknowledges the First Peoples of this country, recognising our elders past, who have been our exemplar, campaigners and warriors who have fought for a voice in Parliament from the early 1930s.
“Federation walks with our First Peoples – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folk – and we will continue to campaign for a Voice in Parliament to support and advocate for what was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart drawn up in 2017.“
Acknowledge country: today, every day
We want you to be part of launching this year’s National Reconciliation Week by being part of a virtual Acknowledgement of Country, bringing the theme “In This Together” to life.
Why is Acknowledgement of Country important?
Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for traditional owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. This will help create a more united Australia, as we all walk together towards reconciliation.
Who can make an Acknowledgement of Country?
Everyone. It can be given by non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What do i say?
This suggested wording will help you express your Acknowledgement of Country.
“I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which I stand. I acknowledge the (people) of the (nation) and pay my respects to elders past and present.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may also wish to acknowledge their own mob/s.