Acknowledging the Stolen Generations involves formal apologies, supporting survivors through services like Link-Up, participating in events like National Sorry Day (May 26), fostering reconciliation through actions like Reconciliation Action Plans, and listening to survivors' stories to understand the ongoing impacts, with key actions including government apologies (like the 2008 National Apology) and individual commitments to respect Indigenous culture and history.
What should I say? There are no set words that you must use, but usual words are: I'd like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past and present.
First Nations and First Peoples
Other pluralised terms such as 'First Nations' or 'First Peoples' are also acceptable language, and respectfully encompass the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities.
On 13 February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.
“I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the _______ People, and pay my respect to elders both past and present.”
I'd like to acknowledge the assistance/help/effort of…. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance/help/effort of … I'd like to recognize the assistance/help/effort that I received from …..
The standard three-part test for Aboriginality in Australia requires a person to meet three criteria: descent (biological ancestry), self-identification (identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), and community acceptance (being recognized as such by their Indigenous community). This definition, adopted by the Commonwealth government, is used for many government programs and services, although the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses a simpler two-part test (descent and self-identification) for general data collection.
The Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme provided ex-gratia payments to Stolen Generations survivors. The reparations aimed to acknowledge historical injustices faced by Stolen Generations survivors. The amount provided to each recipient was $75,000.
"I acknowledge the Bidjigal as the Traditional Custodians of the land we are meeting on today. I pay my respects to Elders past and present and recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
Here are some elements you might want to include.
Using terms such as "the Aborigines" or "the Aboriginal people" tends to suggest that Aboriginal people/s are all the same, and thus stereotypes Indigenous Australians. The fact is that Indigenous Australia is multicultural.
"Straya" is a colloquial, affectionate, and humorous slang term for Australia, representing a shortened, phonetic pronunciation of the country's name, often used in a casual context to show national identity and a laid-back attitude. It embodies the Australian tendency to shorten words and can be heard in phrases like "G'day, Straya!".
Yes, "Koori" (or Koorie/Goori) is an appropriate regional term for Aboriginal people from southeastern Australia (NSW/Victoria), but it's always best to ask an individual their preference or use broader terms like "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" or "First Nations people" if you're unsure, as "Koori" is specific to a region and not all Indigenous Australians identify with it. Using specific nation names (like Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara) is even better if known, but "Koori" is a respectful, reclaiming term for its specific area.
How to phrase your acknowledgements
(We/I) would like to begin this (meeting/event/gathering) by acknowledging that the land on which this meeting is being held is the traditional territories of the (specific First Nation or Nations) whose historical relationship with the land continues today.
Be respectful and provide the person with adequate time. Seek clarification that what was asked or discussed was understood. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, avoidance of eye contact is customarily a gesture of respect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Acknowledgements
Being overly casual or informal: Use a professional and respectful tone. Omitting key contributors: Ensure all supervisors, funders, and collaborators are credited. Making the section too long: Keep acknowledgements brief and to the point.
“As a visitor on this land, coming from [describe your background], I strive to deepen my own understanding of the local Indigenous communities…. I commit to reframing my responsibilities to land and community.” “I come with respect for this land that I am on today, and for the people who have and do reside here.”
Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country have always been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Boundaries were clear, and crossing into another group's Country required a request for permission to enter.
No, standard Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker, Age Pension, etc.) are the same for Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians with identical circumstances, but Indigenous Australians have access to specific, targeted programs and extra support, like enhanced child care subsidies and dedicated services, that can provide additional financial or service benefits.
The $20 million paid for the Aboriginal flag's copyright went to Luritja artist Harold Thomas, the flag's designer, and the license holders, with the Australian Federal Government acquiring the rights in 2022 to make the flag freely available for public use, ending long-standing disputes and licensing issues. The deal also included funding for an Indigenous student scholarship and directing royalties to NAIDOC.
Aboriginal people buying their own home can access government incentives for home buyers that reduce the time it takes to save enough to enter the housing market or that remove some of the costs that can be a barrier to becoming home owners.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage is personal to the individual. You don't need to prove that you are an Indigenous Australian.
If you have Indigenous ancestry, you may choose to self-identify. This is based on how you define your own identity — you do not need to provide proof. How you answer the question will not affect your level of care. Patients may decline to answer at any time, regardless of how they identify.
'Aborigine' is generally perceived as insensitive, because it has racist connotations from Australia's colonial past, and lumps people with diverse backgrounds into a single group. You're more likely to make friends by saying 'Aboriginal person', 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander'.