Reconciliation South Australia unequivocally condemns any and all actions of those who oppose Welcome to Country Ceremonies. We urge mainstream media, to focus on creating awareness and understanding and not encouraging debates about the legitimacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional Cultural practices.

We are seeing a rise of misinformation, opinions, prejudices and racism. Far-right conservatives and non-Indigenous people who speak from a culturally uninformed place, are fuelling division for their own gain and motivations. At its worst and even more damaging, white supremacist groups have been provided platforms whose sole aim is to divide.

The inclusion of a Welcome to Country at any event, is a sign of maturity and understanding, celebration and respect. A Welcome to Country offers all Australians the oppurtunity to deepen their connection to the shared history of our nation and our identity. This is unity there is no division.  

These debates are an unnecessary distraction from real issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 2023 referendum has ignited a deeper division revealing racism that we see across sporting codes, institutions, media, politics and recently ANZAC day events. Challenging this protocol undermines and undervalues the ongoing Cultural practices and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Reconciliation South Australia understands there are those who choose to use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture as a means for power over, or to gain political advantage. We condemn this and we will always stand against this manipulation. We call on all our allies, Reconciliation Action Plan families, and supporters to stand strong and proud alongside us.

We call on all to:

• Encourage authentic conversations and build understanding
• Invite curiosity to create understanding and combat misinformation
• Actively show your support and be a leader for change
• Use your voice and speak to the language of Reconciliation

Reconciliation South Australia will continue to embed a Welcome to Country at all our public facing events, and we encourage others to lead in the same way.  We will be forever grateful for the generosity of those who graciously offer their time and allow us to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture in meaningful ways.

Welcome to Country is an invitation and has its place across Australia. It is a custom to be proud of and honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and peoples.