Have you seen a particuarly compelling or moving Welcome to Country?
Unfortunately, because of the circumstances that I grew up in, I have not been exposed to a particularly moving Welcome to Country or even that many Welcome to Country’s for that matter. I do not feel that I can give a good answer to this question with having experienced one myself.
Even if you don’t identify as FNP, you can perform an Acknowledgment of Country. Reflecting on all that has been taught to you so far, what are some key points that you’d address in your Acknowledgment? Reflect or research:
As a first key point, I would reference to the Butchulla (Badtjala) people and their connection to country. Because of the location of my town, which from my research is in a bordering area, I would also make reference to the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people and their connection to country. I would likely reference one of my parent’s recent immigration and the country, and the history associated with it (the Netherlands). For my other parent’s history, unfortunately I do not believe that would be included as that has not influenced me, my work or how I’ve grown up. Perhaps in the future, if I were to research more about that part of the families past, I would change this position. When it comes my own art and where I make it, I would again reference the Butchulla (Badtjala) people and the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people. I would make particular note to address how my own storytelling has been influenced by the stories of the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands. I will state that my storytelling is not about telling another people’s story, but it has been undoubtedly influenced by the place and people that I reside in.
