First Nations People

“Country” includes people, plants and animals alike. It embraces the lands, seasons, stories and spirits of the Creation. The Country of Gunditjmara, Jardwadjali and Boandik people is diverse, it includes vast volcanic plains, stunning coastline, limestone caves, rich abundant forests, healthy rivers and plentiful Sea Country .

This flowing, connected cultural landscape is home to sacred places, powerful totems, and ancient art. Its people have a strong connection and pride of local languages, vibrant ceremonies, unique clan groupings, and law and lore. The spirit of the first nations people is in this Country, in the beauty of the Woorrowarook (forests), along the flowing Bocara (Glenelg River), in the strength of the Tungatt (the stones), and in the expanse of the blue Nyamat (sea).

Reference Ngootyong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan.

To learn more about Country, such as the World Heritage listed Budj Bim visit the Budj Bim Page

To learn more about the Gunditjmara Country and its Seasons watch this Pulambeet Playspace feature in Portland. “Pulambeet” Playspace”

To understand the history of the Gunditjmara people, please take time to watch the “Demystifying History” video.

Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country 

Acknowledgement of Country (by a non-aboriginal person)

An acknowledgement can be done by any person, in the absence of a traditional owner.

An Acknowledgement of Country is a way to acknowledge and pay respect to First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land.

Standard Acknowledgement of Country

“I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the (Gunditjmara, Jardwadjali and Boandik) people and pay my respect to Elders both past, present and future.”

Example Personalised Acknowledgement of Country

Glenelg Shire Council respectfully acknowledge the Gunditjmara, Boandik and Jardwadjali people, as  the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Glenelg Shire is located and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We  recognise their ongoing connection to Country and culture and commit to ongoing dialogue and actions that  respects and honours the Elders and Ancestors of these lands and future generations

Anita Rank, Mayor Glenelg Shire Council

Welcome to Country

A Welcome to Country is always delivered by a local Traditional Owner or Elder who holds the authority and knowledge to share a welcome from a particular local region. This can be done through speech, dance, song or ceremony.

How to Organise a Welcome to Country

The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Email:  reception@gunditjmirring.com