As we travel through this vast land it is helpful to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we visit whilst paying our respects to their Elders past and present. The land is, always has been and always will be Aboriginal land.
Let us start by acknowledging the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners, it is on their land we will walk. They care for and protect this Country for thousands of years. They know this land, they live on it. It is important to honour them.
Being on and caring for country has been an important part of life on this continent for many tens of thousands of years. Over the last 200 years Aboriginal people have been slaughtered, dispossessed of their land, had many of their rich cultures and languages lost and the traditional way of life lost too many.
Part of the reconciliation process is about developing a deeper understanding and empathy for the Aboriginal people. Reconciliation is a process that is spurred on as we by get to know Aboriginal people, learning some language, developing an understanding of the importance of country and appreciating the value of the many varied and rich cultures of Aboriginal people.
Learn more about:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Reconciliation
First Languages
Land and Connection to Country
Farming practices
You might want to listen to or read some books
Dark Emu / Bruce Pascoe
Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia / Anita Heiss
Australia Day / Stan Grant
Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia / Marcia Langton