Welcome to Country
On Country Services
Welcome to Country
Extending the hand of friendship on Country (land, sea and sky)
One of the most sacred and important aspects of our culture is the Welcome to Country service. It signifies our deep respect for the land, our ancestors, and all who come to visit our Country. BNTAC offers Welcome to Country services to organisations and individuals, ensuring that when you step onto our land, you are greeted with the warmth of our traditions and a connection to our cultural heritage. We believe that extending a genuine Welcome to Country is not only a cultural tradition but also a beautiful way to acknowledge the significance of the land and begin any meaningful gathering or event on the right note.
What is a Welcome to Country?
A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a traditional Aboriginal Australian or First Nations ceremony or speech that serves as a warm, friendly and respectful greeting to visitors or newcomers to our traditional Country (land, sea and sky). It’s a way for First Nations/ Indigenous or (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities to acknowledge our ongoing mind-body-spirit connection to and living continuity with the land-sea-sky, as well as share cultural traditions, and invite visitors to engage with and respect our cultural heritage, protocols, practices and customs while on Country.
A ‘Welcome to Country’ holds significant benefits for both local First Nations people and participants. For First Nations people, it allows us to preserve and share our cultural heritage, creating a sense of pride and continuity in our traditions and practices. It strengthens our spiritual connection to the land and serves as a platform for educating others about our life and living history. For participants, it provides a deeper understanding of First Nations/Indigenous culture, a chance to show respect for the traditional owners of the land, and an opportunity for cross-cultural learning and engagement. Ultimately, it promotes unity, respect and appreciation for First Nations culture and our enduring connection to the land, sea and sky.
Availability
Please note that in order to secure a Welcome to Country speech or ceremony, it is recommended that you book at least 3 months in advance. BNTAC is not able to guarantee that community members or Elders will be available at short notice for bookings that are less than 12 weeks. If you are unsure about our cultural protocols, processes or any issue, please contact our friendly staff for a conversation and we’ll see how we can assist or help you.
Options for Welcome to Country include:
Option #1 – Welcome to Country speech [$396]
- Welcome to Country speech by local Butchulla Elder or Senior Butchulla Man or Women in the community on the Fraser Coast.
Option #2 – Welcome to Country speech [$396] + Traditional Dancers [$1500] (max of 4 dancers) + Smoking Ceremony [$396]
- Includes simple smoking ceremony.