Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country
Australian citizenship test study notes, summarised from page 12 of Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet the test is based on.
- A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land. Traditionally it ensured visitors a safe journey.
- It can include songs, dances, smoking ceremonies or speeches in traditional language or English, and is usually the first item of an event.
- An Acknowledgement of Country recognises the gathering is on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander land and pays respect to Traditional Custodians, particularly Elders past and present, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in attendance. Anyone can deliver it — usually the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
- Both practices show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Common Bond, p. 12
Sample practice questions
Try these, then check your answer. They’re our practice questions, not the real test questions.
1. What is a Welcome to Country?
- A cultural practice by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian welcoming visitors to their traditional land
- A speech in which the Governor-General welcomes new citizens to Australia at a citizenship ceremony
- A ceremony in which the local mayor formally welcomes new residents and visitors to the council area and community
Show answer
Answer: A. A cultural practice by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian welcoming visitors to their traditional land
A Welcome to Country is performed by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian of the local region, welcoming visitors to their traditional land.
Our Common Bond, p. 12
2. Why was a Welcome to Country traditionally performed?
- To mark the change of seasons for the people of that land
- To ensure visitors had a safe and protected journey on that land
- To farewell visitors as they left that land
Show answer
Answer: B. To ensure visitors had a safe and protected journey on that land
It was traditionally performed to ensure visitors had a safe and protected journey during their time on that land.
Our Common Bond, p. 12
3. At meetings and events, who would generally deliver an Acknowledgement of Country?
- The Chair or Master of Ceremonies
- A Traditional Custodian of the land
- The most senior politician present
Show answer
Answer: A. The Chair or Master of Ceremonies
Anyone can deliver an Acknowledgement of Country. At meetings and events, this would generally be done by the Chair or Master of Ceremonies.
Our Common Bond, p. 12
Practise all 9 questions on this topic