At the start of a meeting or function, the chair or speaker begins by acknowledging that the meeting is taking place on the Country of the ongoing custodians. Where the name of the ongoing custodians is known, it is specifically used. Where it is not known, a general acknowledgement is given.
There is no 'set' wording for an Acknowledgement of Country but you can use the following:
Specific acknowledgement
I would like to acknowledge that we meet on the homelands of the [insert name] people who are the Ongoing Custodians of this land. I pay respect to Elders past and present and emerging of the [insert name] nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people [or 'other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people'] here today.
General acknowledgement
I would like to pay my respect and acknowledge the Ongoing Custodians of the land on which we gather. I pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people [or 'other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people'] here today.
Specific acknowledgement – online meeting
I acknowledge that I am hosting/recording this meeting/webinar from the lands of the [insert name] people.
I also acknowledge the Ongoing Custodians of the various lands on which you all work today and pay respect to Elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people [or 'other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people'] joining us today.
General acknowledgment – online meeting
I acknowledge the Ongoing Custodians of the various lands on which we work today and pay respect to Elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people [or 'other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people'] joining us today.
Notes
While these guidelines generally use the term, 'Aboriginal people', we are referring to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Don’t worry too much about making a mistake in attempting an Acknowledgement of Country. It's okay not to get it right the first time you try, and many people have difficulty pronouncing the names of Aboriginal Country. The intention - the spirit of the offering - is what matters most. Do ask for feedback or correction, though, if you are unsure if you have got the pronunciation or any other aspect of the Acknowledgement of Country right.