Users of this website should be aware that in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, seeing the names and photographs of deceased people may cause sadness and distress, particularly to relatives of those people. Before using the reconciliation section of this website in such communities, readers should establish what the wishes of senior community members are and take their advice on procedures and safeguards to be adopted.
Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country
What's the difference between a ‘Welcome to Country’ and an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’?
A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a formal process which recognises both Aboriginal people from another Country and non Aboriginal people. The Welcome can only be undertaken by Kaurna people having the authority and respect within the Kaurna community. Speeches and other forms of ceremony may be involved.
An ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ is also a formal process but, unlike the ‘Welcome’, it can be undertaken by non Aboriginal people as well as Aboriginal people from another Country. Its purpose is to publicly recognise Kaurna people as the Traditional Owner and Custodians of the Adelaide Plains.
The City of Adelaide Statement of Acknowledgement
The City of Adelaide acknowledges the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and gather. We acknowledge and honour their spiritual and cultural stewardship of this Country and recognise their deep and enduring relationship with its lands, waters, the sky, and all living things. We pay our respects to Kaurna Elders past and present and recognise the important role of emerging leaders in sustaining and strengthening culture.
Translated into Kaurna:
City of Adelaide tampinthi, ngadlu Kaurna yartangka panpapanpalyarrinthi (inparrinthi).
Kaurna Miyurna yaitya mathanya Wama Tarntanyaku. Parnaku yailtya, parnaku
tapa purruna, parnaku yarta, ngadlu tampinthi.
Yalaka Kaurna miyurna ithu yailtya, tapa purruna, yarta, kawi, ngayirda kuma puru
martinthi, puru warri-apinthi, puru tangka martulayinthi.
Kumartarna yaitya miyurna iyangka yalaka ngadlu tampinthi.
Protocols and guidelines
The City of Adelaide protocol and guidelines on ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ provides an effective model for communication together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The comprehensive document describes how to formally engage with the Kaurna community. It also includes examples of the different approaches to delivering the Welcome and how to respond.
Download the City of Adelaide Acknowledgement and Welcome to Kaurna Yarta Protocol