Before many events in Australia, there is an acknowledgement of country. It is a moment when those gathering can pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land where they are meeting. Considering the global history of violence against and systemic exclusion of indigenous peoples, this is a small step, but one that I am often grateful to hear.
Awareness of what is also has to include awareness of what was.
Being a company that operates virtually, with team members in various locations in the world, I have been thinking about this. Our company may operate primarily in the digital space, but we are still humans on the other end of that digital connection, and our feet still walk on land.
Common Ground is an organization in Australia that aims to bridge connection gaps and provide knowledge of Australia’s First Nations peoples. They provide template wording for an acknowledgement of country in Australia. As The Bacana Plan is a global company, I’m going to adapt their general language and thank them for providing the foundation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of country throughout the world and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
