The solution

To address this, we organised three workshops to guide the group through the process. The first session, which I facilitated as the Local Landcare Coordinator, focused on introducing key cultural terms and explaining the significance of an Acknowledgment of Country. We discussed what "Country" means in a First Nations context, why it’s written with a capital "C", and how it represents more than just land, it’s part of First Nations belief systems, community, and identity. 

With this foundational understanding, we moved on to the second workshop, where I worked alongside our Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Nioka Dupond. This session began with something special, a walk on Country. It wasn’t just a walk, though. It was a chance for everyone to connect with the land, with themselves, and to experience how First Nations People live, both in the past and present. As we walked, we spoke about the traditional roles in their community, ecologists, bakers, hydrologists, and toolmakers. It was grounding and purposeful. 

Once we were back indoors, Nioka led us deeper into the emotional and cultural weight behind the Acknowledgment. The group engaged in a process where they chose words that resonated with them, slowly crafting an Acknowledgment that felt personal and sincere. By the end of the session, we had the foundation of something truly meaningful. 

Before finalising it, we gave the group some time to reflect. We scheduled a third workshop with Nioka and I to make final adjustments and ensure the Acknowledgment felt right to everyone