Some examples of an Acknowledgement of Country relevant to the UNSW Kensington main campus are:
Example 1: Formal Acknowledgement
"I would like to begin by acknowledging the Bidjigal people of the Dharawal Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather today. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and we pay our deepest respects to Bidjigal Elders past and present. We also acknowledge and honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this land, to culture, to community and to Country. As we meet today, let us reflect on the knowledge and stories that have been shared on this land for thousands of generations and commit to walking together in a spirit of respect and understanding."
Example 2: Standard Acknowledgement
"I acknowledge the Bidjigal people of the Dharawal Nation as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and pay my respects to Elders past and present. This Country has always been a place of teaching, learning and knowledge sharing, and that continues today. I honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this land, culture and community. I recognise the ongoing presence and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to listening, learning and walking together."
Example 3: Concise Acknowledgement
"I acknowledge the Bidjigal people of the Dharawal Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land we are meeting on today. I pay my respects to Elders past and present and recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. I invite us all to reflect on our shared responsibility to honour and respect this land and its stories."
It is also acceptable for you to say your own words. You do not need to stick to a strict script. Often meaningful acknowledgements are more powerful and well received than perfunctory scripted acknowledgements. You could make the acknowledgment relevant to the event, the theme of the event, to the concept of welcoming people and recognising Indigenous culture, your childhood experiences, or adult experiences with Aboriginal culture. As long as the acknowledgment is meaningful and short, it is acceptable.
Acknowledgement of Country (all three campuses):
UNSW is located on the unceded territory of the Bedegal (Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and Paddington campuses) and Ngunnawal peoples (Canberra) who are the Traditional Owners of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated.
