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Placemaking

Cultural protocols and traditional practices

Cultural protocols and practices are the produce of cultural law. Local Governments should be aware of the protocols and practices to build respectful relationships with Aboriginal people, communities and organisations so as to support meaningful collaboration and engagement.

 

Welcome to Country

A ceremony delivered by Traditional Owners, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been given permission from Traditional Owners, to welcome visitors to country provides cultural safe passage onto traditional lands.  It is an important mark of respect in the spirit of reconciliation and demonstrates an understanding and respect for culture and connection of local Aboriginal people to country. Further information can be found on Reconciliation Australia’s website.

Welcome to Country ceremonies are particular to Country and may have specific area protocols.  Reach out to local Aboriginal Organisations or Traditional Owners for advice and guidance.  You can also review the information on the Australians Together website for further information on Welcome to and Acknowledgement of Country.

Aboriginal organisations may have specific guidance or advice on local protocols, a few examples include information provided by the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (ACHWA) and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council have created a Noongar Welcome to Country Protocols booklet for the South West Native Title area and also have a Kaartdijin Noongar – Protocols guidance page on their website.

 

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Used by choice at the start of an event, meeting or speech as a mark of respect to the local Aboriginal community, an Acknowledgement can be provided by any person. There is no specific wording for an Acknowledgement to Country, commonly used wording can be found on the link above. Personalising an Acknowledgement to Country to encompass your own thoughts and reflection offers more authenticity.

 

 

Smoking ceremonies and other traditional practices

Ceremonies to cleanse, heal and connect with the land signify cultural sharing and reconciliation. These ceremonies vary across cultural groups.  Always seek advice from Traditional Owners on what is locally appropriate.

 

Aboriginal flag flying

The Aboriginal flag should be used with dignity and respect. The Australian Government Flags Booklet provide guidance on using and flying flags within Australia as well as details on the history and significance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

 

 

 

Acknowledgement of deceased people

In many Aboriginal communities, the sharing of a deceased person’s name, image or story may cause harm and be offensive. Displaying a trigger warning message on materials and websites that include Aboriginal content and providing feedback systems shows cultural sensitivity.

Evolve communities shares more information, as just one perspective on the significance of a cultural warning.

 

 

 

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Data Sovereignty

The Australian government is committed to introducing new laws to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Expert Working Group  who is providing advice and guidance on the development of the legislation. 

Local Governments are not directly involved in the development or implementation of specific ICIP legislation, they do however play a role in supporting Indigenous cultural heritage through their various initiatives and partnerships.  

Reconciliation Australia has resources available to review to support work as it relates to Policy and Research, Community Truth-telling Pathways and the Indigenous Governance Program.

 

 

Case studies

Town of Port Hedland

In South Hedland, a Youth Changemaking Program has empowered local Aboriginal youth to make a difference in their community while enhancing their sense of belonging and pride.

Reconciliation WA

Kolbang Yanginy artwork was a collaborative partnership between the Artists, Purple and Reconciliation WA.

City of Swan

The Place Names Maali project and a new interactive online mapping tool are being led by Landgate in collaboration with the City of Swan.

Town of Cambridge

In July 2024, community feedback led the Town of Cambridge to commit to renaming Lake Monger to Galup over a five-year transition period.

City of Fremantle

Contemporary artwork in Walyalup Koort to provide strong connection to Noongar country.

City of Kwinana

Shaping the future of Kwinana through the Boola Maara Consultative Committee.

City of Albany

Australia’s largest dual naming project revives Menang culture and connection.

Shire of York

A Traditional Mosaic Burning Programme comes to life on Ballardong Country.

 

Links and resources

National Indigenous Australians Agency
Supply Nation
Aboriginal Business Directory WA
National Library of Australia – ICIP
Reconciliation Australia – Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country
Australian Government – Protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
Creative Australia – First Nations Arts ICIP protocols
Australian Government Flag protocols

Placemaking

Placemaking is a collaborative process through which communities work together to shape the physical, social, and cultural character of public spaces.

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