Acknowledgement of Country (AOC) is imperative to the foundation of reconciliation and reinforces the identity and belonging of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It reminds us that we live, work and walk on the lands of the oldest continuing living culture in the world. It is a symbolic reminder of the unbroken sovereignty and continuing connection to Country.
One of the most important things about AOC is finding an AOC that resonates with you individually and collectively as an organisation.
We have put together a list of our favourite AOC and attribution to the organisations. You can use these examples and mix and match to develop an AOC that is reflective of the principles and values of your organisation or workspace.
University of Southern Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland acknowledges the First Nations of southern Queensland and their ongoing connection to Country, lands, and waterways. Further, we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first educators and researchers of Australia. We pay deep respect to Elders past and present.
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First people and Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we meet, live, learn and work. We acknowledge and celebrate the rich and thriving diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the oldest continuing living cultures in the world. We recognise that QIMR Berghofer is located on the traditional lands of the Turrbal people and pay respects to their Elders, knowledge holders and leaders – past, present and emerging.
Griffith University
Griffith University acknowledges the people who are the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to the Elders, past and present, and extends that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Family Groups
South Bank, Nathan and Mount Gravatt campuses are situated on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal peoples. Logan is situated on the land of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Yugarabul, Jagera and Yugambeh peoples. The Gold Coast is situated on the land of the Yugambeh/Kombumerri peoples.
Resource: Griffith University
.png)
Bond University
In the spirit of reconciliation, Bond University acknowledges the Kombumerri people, the traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the university now stands. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Here are some examples of acknowledgements used by QLS:
We acknowledge the Turrbul and Yuggera Peoples as the original Owners and Custodians of the land that we live, work and learn in Meeanjin. We acknowledge the Elders, Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands throughout Queensland in which our Committee members are joining us.
We extend our deep respect to all First Nations, we have high regard for law women and law men across Queensland, including Elders of yesterday, today and tomorrow and recognise them as the cultural authorities.
We acknowledge they were here first.
They are the caretakers of this island continent and the longest living continuing culture on earth. We are a proud organisation, we stand in support and we say thank you for the cultural insights and sound judgment as we continue our journey towards justice and good law. We ask them safe passage as we embark on important business.
***
In opening this meeting we acknowledge the Turrubul and Jagera Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land here which we meet as well as the Traditional Custodians throughout Queensland from where our members are joining us. We recognise the continuing connection to land and waters and as custodians of stories for millennia. We are inspired by this tradition in our work and recognise the Elders, Law Women and Law Men who have walked before us and those who walk among us. We request safe passage for the good and important business that is about to follow and extend our thoughts and recognise Community who are in Sorry Business.