Last year, I was invited to speak at a business forum and share my experiences about Indigenous employment and contracting opportunities within the mining industry. This unremarkable forum consisted of introductions, a Welcome to Country, some individual addresses, a panel session, a wrap-up and a forum closing. Despite years of public speaking, I still suffer from the occasional bout of stage fright. I usually hide out in the back row, sweating and churning while waiting for my turn to go to the front.
I was sitting in the far back corner, observing the proceedings from a distance. As the Elder delivered the Welcome to Country, my thoughts were interrupted by a well-dressed man in a grey suit in the next row. He reminded me a little bit of Robert Redford from a certain angle. Visibly frustrated, ‘Robert’ began quietly muttering under his breath, “I’m sick of this crap.” He made a series of quiet hissing sounds and disapproving tssks, looking like he was suffering from indigestion.
It took me a moment to realise what was happening; the Welcome to Country seemed to disagree with him.
It felt like the Elder on stage had a power like a priest from ‘The Exorcist’, chanting to drive out a stubborn demon. I couldn’t shake the phrase “may the power of Christ compel you” from my mind. As if being driven away by an exorcism, the man abruptly stood up, flung open the doors, and exited the room. He later peeked back in and settled into his seat after the Welcome.
Initially, I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction. I’d seen people like him before, typically in the comment sections of conservative news sites. But this was my first encounter with such a critic in person. Those opposed to Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgments of Country often describe them as divisive, boring, fake, tedious, overused, cringeworthy, predictable, a cash grab, and monotonous. Others argue, “We are all Australian. I’m Indigenous too; I don’t need to be welcomed in my own country.”
It only takes a little searching to find instances of shires and councils choosing not to support Welcomes or Acknowledgements. For example, last month, Croydon Mayor Trevor Pickering made headlines across Queensland and beyond with his comment, ‘I’ve got a nephew who is Aboriginal, other family members who identify as Aboriginal, I grew up with Aboriginal people, I befriended Aboriginal people, and that Welcome to Country stuff is all pure bullshit.’ I was more intrigued by the large photo of the journalist and mayor digging into a generous serving of fish and chips. The image didn’t fit the story.
The reasons for objection to Acknowledgments and Welcomes are also becoming more bizarre. Recently, it was reported that a Christian pastor is facing an appearance before the Queensland Human Rights Commission on allegations of racial vilification and humiliation. He reportedly told someone at a religious event that he wouldn’t start a meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country because it was ‘incompatible’ with Christianity. Well, how?
Have Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgements of Country moments overstayed their Welcome? Some newspapers suggest they have. This criticism may have a kernel of truth, and some concerns are worth considering.
Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, Acknowledgments and Welcomes, as we know them today, seemed non-existent. Thanks to Reconciliation Action Plans, native title recognition, and a resurgence of some cultural traditions and practices, they’ve become a common feature of many public events. But for some, the novelty has worn off well and truly.
Many Acknowledgements come across as rehearsed and mere formalities, delivered with as much enthusiasm as a flight attendant’s impersonal, rote-learned safety briefing. I’ve also been guilty of sticking to the same script. But now, I am more mindful. Before I step up to speak at external events—where everyone else tends to use the same formulaic Acknowledgement—I make a point to rethink my approach. I try to keep the message fresh and meaningful, with authenticity. Acknowledgements should be inspiring, engaging and personal. As for Welcomes, that’s a matter for Traditional Owner groups to decide.
Despite ongoing criticism, Welcomes and Acknowledgements are here to stay. They can be powerful and unifying rather than divisive and time-consuming. Take last September, for example, when sports commentator Sam Newman criticised Welcomes to Country at AFL games and even encouraged fans to boo them. Yet, at the Brisbane Lions vs Carlton match in Brisbane, the massive crowd joined the Traditional Owners Welcome chant, sending a clear message of appreciation and support.
Back to the protesting Robert Redford lookalike—when it was my turn to speak at the forum, I glanced his way, thanked the Elder for her Welcome, and felt absolute satisfaction in paying my respects to elders past and present.
Adam C Lees is a Yadhaigana (Cape York), Meriam man, and Director of New Moon Consulting. He has over twenty years of global experience in the resources and energy sector.
