University of Tasmania, Australia

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Welcome Ceremony Protocols

UTAS Home › Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students & Education) › Riawunna Centre  › Welcome Ceremony Protocols

Welcome and Acknowledgement to Country

It is important to follow guidelines for recognising and promoting Aboriginal culture and custodianship of country.

Arranging a Welcome to Country, ceremony that acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia’s original inhabitants.

A Welcome to Country is where the traditional Aboriginal custodian or Elder welcomes people to their land.
Welcome to Country always occurs at the opening of an event and is usually the first item on the program. The local Aboriginal custodians or traditional owners conduct the ceremony and this may be done through a speech, song, ceremony or a combination of these things.

Where a traditional Aboriginal custodian or Elder is not available an Acknowledgement to Country should occur. Below we have provided suggested wording for Acknowledgements to Country.

Acknowledgement of Country Hobart

As a reflection of this institution’s recognition of the deep history and culture of this island, the University of Tasmania wishes to acknowledge the − Mouheneenner (pronounced Moo‐he- ne‐nah) People, the traditional owners and custodians of the land upon which this campus was built.

We acknowledge the contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal community, who have survived invasion and dispossession, and continue to maintain their identity, culture and Indigenous rights.

We also recognise the value of continuing Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practice, which informs our understandings of history, culture, science and environment; the University’s role in research and education, and in supporting the development of the Tasmanian community.

Acknowledgement of Country Launceston

As a reflection of this institution’s recognition of the deep history and culture of this island, the University of Tasmania wishes to acknowledge the − Panninher or Leterrermairrener (pronounced Par‐nin‐her, Letter‐ramare‐ run‐nah) People, the traditional owners and custodians of the land upon which this campus was built.

We acknowledge the contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal community, who have survived invasion and dispossession, and continue to maintain their identity, culture and Indigenous rights.

We also recognise the value of continuing Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practice, which informs our understandings of history, culture, science and environment; the University’s role in research and education, and in supporting the development of the Tasmanian community.

Acknowledgement of Country Cradle Coast Campus

As a reflection of this institution’s recognition of the deep history and culture of this island, the University of Tasmania wishes to acknowledge the − Plairhekehillerplue (pronounced Pl‐air‐aka‐hill‐a‐ploo) People, the traditional owners and custodians of the land upon which this campus was built.

We acknowledge the contemporary Tasmanian Aboriginal community, who have survived invasion and dispossession, and continue to maintain their identity, culture and Indigenous rights.

We also recognise the value of continuing Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practice, which informs our understandings of history, culture, science and environment; the University’s role in research and education, and in supporting the development of the Tasmanian community.