When entering another language group's area, Aboriginal people need to abide by certain protocols. They acknowledge the people from that area and by doing this they show respect to the people from that area. Correct protocol is essential at major events such as NAIDOC week or key Professional Development days involving Aboriginal people.
Teachers need to be aware of the diversity between language groups and if unsure, contact the Aboriginal team at the Midlands DEO. A Noongar LOTE teacher may be able to translate the sample messages of welcome given in each of the sections below into traditional language so students appreciate the oral delivery of welcome.
For further information see the DET "Protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Ownership" pamphlet.
The District Office has some resources available for loan, such as the "Moorditj" CD-ROM and "Nidja Noongar Boodja Noonook Nyininy" (literacy and Numeracy strategies, using Noongar culture).
There are also regular workshops and professional development activities in the District including:
The following books are available for loan from the Midlands District Office:
CALM's "Exploring Wheatbelt Woodlands" kit may also be an appropriate resource.
| Sample Welcome to Country: We acknowledge this land that we are visiting today is the traditional land of the Yuat people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the custodians of the region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the Yuat people today. |
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| Dingo Rock | Wongan Hills |
|---|---|
| A "gnamma" hole at Dingo Rock was a water collection site for local Aborigines. | |
| New Norcia Educational Camp School | New Norcia |
| Offers activities in the Aboriginal Studies area such as making traditional tools, bush tucker walks, animal tracking, boomerang and spear throwing, learning the local (Yuat) language, and more. | |
| Oak Park Gnamma Holes | Goomalling |
| These holes made by Aborigines to collect water can be found near the road in groups of three in rocky outcrops. | |
| Sample Welcome to Country: I would like us to acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional land of the Barladong people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the custodians of the region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the Barladong people today. |
| Sample Welcome to Country: I would like us to acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional land of the Barladong/Ngadji Ngadji people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the custodians of the region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the Barladong/Ngadji Ngadji people today. |
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| Elachbutting Rock | Westonia |
|---|---|
| A few of the caves in the surrounding area contain Aboriginal paintings. | |
| Kokabin Rock | Kellerberrin |
| Place of significance for Noongar people of the area for meetings and family outings. | |
| Shark's Mouth | Kellerberrin |
| A place of significance for men's business - it also displays cave paintings (hands). Prior to visiting places like this, permission should be sought from the appropriate elders in the area. | |