Importance of Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country is a beautiful way of recognising and honouring the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, work, and gather.

When we acknowledge the traditional custodians, we not only show respect for their enduring connection to the land but also acknowledge the deep history, culture, and knowledge that they have carried for thousands of years.

Watch the video to see the students voice their acknowledgement of Country:

I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Saltwater Country, the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation on which all three campuses of Sydney Secondary College are placed. I would like to particularly acknowledge that today you gather on Gadigal Country.

I would like to pay respect to Aboriginal Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people present here today.

As you gather here today to share knowledge and learn, please remember you share the traditions of learning that have existed on Gadigal Country for tens of thousands of years.

It is important that we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this Saltwater Country, as we are only here through their grace and care, and we honour those who travelled these lands and waterways before us. We all must care for and walk softly on Country, as those who came before us did.

We meet on Aboriginal land. Always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Thank you and enjoy your day of sharing knowledge at the Sydney Secondary College’s Professional Development Day.

Students in the video:

Alexander – Wiradjuri /Wokka Wokka
Alesha – Biripi
Tyesha – Wiradjuri
Lincoln – Wiradjuri
Mark – Gunbayngir
Oliver – Guringai

 

Video contributed by Storylines Youth Ambassador Program – Melinda Brown and Narelle Daniels. Published in 2023.