WTC Guide changes for Concept Forum 2018 Current Welcome to Country Guide Proposed Changes Notes CONTENTS Contents changes City of Greater Geraldton Welcome to Country Guide City of Greater Geraldton Welcome to Country Guide 1 Native Title Groups changed to reflect 1 What is ‘Welcome to Country? 2 new Southern Yamatji Peoples. What is ‘Welcome to Country? 2 Yamatji Welcome to Country 3 Yamatji Welcome to Country 3 Selecting the Person to Deliver a Welcome to Country 4 Selecting the Person to Deliver a Welcome to Country 4 Recommended Service Fees 5 Wilunyu Claim 10 Recommended Service Fees 5 Thanking the Traditional Owners Protocols 6 Mullewa Wadjari Claim 11 Thanking the Traditional Owners Protocols 6 Yamatji Acknowledgement of Country 7 Naaguja Peoples Claim 12 Yamatji Acknowledgement of Country 7 An acknowledgement of Traditional Owners Wajarri Yamatji Claim 13 An acknowledgement of Traditional Owners should be should be worded as follows: 7 Widi Claim 14 worded as follows: Additional Information 8 Hutt River 15 Additional Information 8 Reference List 8 Reference List 8 Native Title Claims Midwest Region 9 Native Title Claims Midwest Region 9 Welcome to Country Monitoring 10 Wilunyu Claim 10 ‘Welcome to Country’ Process 11 Mullewa Wadjari Claim 11 Statement by a Supplier Form 12 Naaguja Peoples Claim 12 Native Title Claimant Groups List 13 Wajarri Yamatji Claim 13 Widi Claim 14 Hutt River 15 Welcome to Country Monitoring 16 ‘Welcome to Country’ Process 17 Statement by a Supplier Form 18 Native Title Claimant Groups List 19

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Page 1 Page 1 In 2015, the City of Greater Geraldton Council endorsed In 2015, the City of Greater Geraldton Council endorsed the Welcome to Country Guide. The Welcome to Country the Welcome to Country Guide. The Welcome to Country Guide reinforces the City’s commitment to ensuring that Guide reinforces the City’s commitment to ensuring that a Welcome to Country is observed whenever a Welcome to Country is observed whenever appropriate appropriate in a manner that is consistent and in a manner that is consistent and respectful. respectful. The Welcome to Country Guide includes up to date and The Welcome to Country Guide includes up to date and accurate information for City Officers and Councillors accurate information for City Officers and Councillors about the protocols, and processes, of both Welcome to about the protocols, and processes, of both Welcome to Country, and an Acknowledgement of Country, in the Country, and an Acknowledgement of Country, in the City of Greater Geraldton. City of Greater Geraldton context.

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A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a ceremony that is performed A ‘Welcome to Country’ is a ceremony that is performed by Aboriginal people to officially welcome visitors by Aboriginal people to officially welcome visitors to their land. Generally a Traditional Owner will perform to their land. Generally a Traditional Owner will perform a Welcome to Country through speech, dance or song as a Welcome to Country through speech, dance or song as a means of recognition, and acknowledgement, of the a means of recognition, and acknowledgement, of the local Ownership of the land. Welcome to Country is a local Ownership of the land. Welcome to Country is a respectful appreciation of the Aboriginal people who respectful appreciation of the Aboriginal people who have historically lived in the region, and acknowledges have historically lived in the region, and acknowledges Aboriginal people’s unique culture and history, including Aboriginal people’s unique culture and history, including an affiliation with the Land. an affiliation with the Land.

The City of Greater Geraldton values all Aboriginal and The City of Greater Geraldton values all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture acknowledging Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture acknowledging Aboriginal people through Welcometo Country. This Aboriginal people through Welcome to Country. This further recognises the Traditional Owners as the first further recognises the Traditional Owners as the first people in the cultural history of the City of Greater people in the cultural history of the City of Greater Geraldton. Geraldton.

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Change Yamaji Peoples to Southern The recognised Aboriginal group of Greater Geraldton The recognised Aboriginal group of Greater Geraldton Yamatji Peoples which reflects new are the Yamaji people whose lands encompass the Mid- are the Southern Yamatji Peoples whose lands Native Title Claims. West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. The encompass the Mid-West area of Western Australia. land associated with the Yamaji Aboriginal group Deleted sentence replaced with Mid- stretches from Carnarvon in the north to Meekatharra in West area of Western Australia the east and Jurien in the south.

A Yamaji Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of A Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country Country is to be observed at major City of Greater is to be observed at major City of Greater Geraldton Geraldton events and all events significant to Aboriginal events and all events significant to Aboriginal and Torres and Torres Strait Islander people including but not Strait Islander people including but not limited to: limited to: • NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week celebrations • NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week celebrations; • Australia Day events and Citizenship Ceremonies • Australia Day events and Citizenship Ceremonies; • Opening of Local Exhibitions and Art Awards and • Opening of Local Exhibitions and Art Awards; and • Opening of Council meetings • Opening of Council meetings.

Selecting the person to deliver a Welcome to Country Selecting the person to deliver a Welcome to Country The Yamaji region has been home to many groups of The Yamatji region has been home to many groups of Aboriginal people over thousands of years. It is Aboriginal people over thousands of years. It is Change in sentence with previous important to understand that the Yamaji region is made important to understand that the Yamatji region is made Native Title Groups to the Southern up of numerous language groups; and that within the up of numerous language groups and that within the Yamatji Peoples. municipal boundary of Greater Geraldton there are municipal boundary of Greater Geraldton there is currently 5 Native Title claimant groups, each of the currently one large claim which is the Southern Yamatji Yamaji claimant groups has overlapping boundaries. Peoples.

It is recommended that a due and proper inquiry needs It is recommended that a due and proper inquiry needs to occur before choosing a person to provide a Welcome to occur before choosing a person to provide a Welcome to Country. to Country.

Choosing the appropriate person to provide a Welcome Choosing the appropriate person to provide a Welcome to Country is of paramount importance. to Country is of paramount importance.

Within the central Geraldton and Greenough area there The local government area for the City of Greater Rewording to City of Greater Geraldton are 4 claimant groups - Amangu, Naaguja, Widi and Geraldton is covered by one claim which is the Southern and Southern Yamatji claim replacing Mullewa Wajarri. In the Mullewa area there are 4 Yamatji claim (WAD 6002 of 2004). previous claimants claimants Amangu, Widi, Mullewa Wajarri and Wajarri Yamaji.

Deleted text On all occasions a Welcome to Country will be On all occasions a Welcome to Country performed by a Traditional Owner. In these will be performed by a Traditional circumstances it is appropriate for the facilitator of the Owner. In these circumstances it is event to acknowledge the particular Aboriginal group appropriate for the facilitator of the that the person delivering the welcome belongs to. event to acknowledge the particular A map of the claimant group areas is attached for Aboriginal group that the person reference. delivering the welcome belongs to. Outside the boundary for the City of Greater Geraldton A map of the claimant group areas is the Southern Yamatji Claim covers country to the attached for reference. northeast of the local government area, which is affected by three different claims, they are: Wajarri Yamatji (WAD 6033 of 1998), Mullewa Wadjari (WAD 6119 of 1998) and Added text to describe Southern Widi Mob (WAD 6193 of 1998). These three claims have Yamatji areas. a degree of overlap in the outer local government area boundaries.

The delivery and nature of a Welcome to Country is both cultural and personal and may vary from each Traditional Owner and by the significance of the event. A listing of recognised Owners and their contacts for the Greater Geraldton area is attached to this guide. Replace Geraldton, Greenough and Mullewa with Greater Geraldton The delivery and nature of a Welcome to Country is both cultural and personal and may vary from each Traditional Consideration may also be given to include young Owner and by the significance of the event. A listing of Aboriginal people to perform part of the Welcome to recognised Owners and their contacts for the Geraldton Country, particularly if the focus of the event is aimed at and Greenough area and for the Mullewa area is Youth. attached to this guide. Text reworded

Consideration may also be given to incorporate young Aboriginal people to perform part of the “Yamaji On these occasions it is appropriate to ensure that all Welcome to Country”, particularly if the focus of the people delivering part of the welcome are made aware event is aimed at Youth, with an introduction of a of each other’s role. It is also important to ensure that Traditional Owner to perform a formal “Yamaji Welcome Aboriginal people performing Welcome to Country are to Country” thereafter. afforded the courtesy, respect and time to make an informed decision concerning who should provide the On these occasions it is appropriate to ensure that all service within their respective groups. people delivering part of the welcome are made aware of each other’s role. It is also important to ensure that Aboriginal people performing Welcome to Country are afforded the courtesy, respect and time to make an informed decision concerning who should provide the service within their respective groups.

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For more information please see Department of For more information please see Aboriginal Affairs Consulting Citizens – Engaging with Department of Aboriginal Affairs Aboriginal Consulting Citizens – Engaging with Western Australians http://www.daa. Aboriginal wa.gov.au/Documents/Reports Publications/ Western Australians http://www.daa. ConsultingCitizensSept2005.pdf. In addition to the registered Native Title Claimant wa.gov.au/Documents/Reports Groups, it is also important to be aware that there are Publications/ other Aboriginal people who have an historical link to ConsultingCitizensSept2005.pdf. the City of Greater Geraldton through long term residency.

In addition to the registered Native Title Claimant It is recommended that the facilitator of an Groups, it is also important to be aware that there are occasion where a Welcome to Country has been other Aboriginal people whom have an historical link to delivered thank both the particular group of Traditional the City of Greater Geraldton, through long term Owners and the wider Yamatji community. residency. Sentence restructure To this end it is recommended that the facilitator, of an occasion where a Welcome to Country has been delivered, thank both the particular group of Traditional Owners and the Yamaji people at large.

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Recommended service fees Recommended service fees In providing cultural services such as Welcome to In providing cultural services such as Welcome to Country, artistic performances and ceremonies, Country, artistic performances and ceremonies, Aboriginal people are using their intellectual property. It Aboriginal people are using their intellectual property. It is courteous to make an offer of an honorary payment, it is courteous to make an offer of an honorary payment. It is then up to the nominated person giving the Welcome is then up to the nominated person giving the Welcome to Country to accept the offer or to negotiate a different to Country to accept the offer or to negotiate a different payment amount (this amount needs to be mutually payment amount. (This amount needs to be mutually acceptable to both parties). Importantly, both parties acceptable to both parties). Importantly, both parties have the right to withdraw from these negotiations if a have the right to withdraw from these negotiations if a mutually agreeable payment amount cannot be agreed mutually agreeable payment amount cannot be agreed upon. upon.

On the other hand, Traditional Owners who are On the other hand, Traditional Owners who are performing (i.e. doing a song or story-telling), is an performing (i.e. presenting a song or story-telling), is an addition to a standalone ‘Welcome to Country’ and addition to a standalone Welcome to Country and should should be viewed as “Aboriginal Arts Performance”. be viewed as “Aboriginal Arts Performance”. If the event organiser is happy to proceed with the If the event organiser is happy to proceed with the additional performance aspect of a Welcome to Country additional performance aspect of a Welcome to Country, then it is recommended that an offer for an additional then it is recommended that an offer of an additional payment be paid. payment be paid.

It is recommended that the opportunity to provide It is recommended that the opportunity to provide Welcome to Country be rotated amongst all eligible Welcome to Country be rotated amongst all eligible groups regardless of the different fees each may charge groups regardless of the different fees each may charge for the service. This will ensure the City maintains for the service. This will ensure the City maintains impartiality between family and Native Title groups and impartiality between family and Native Title groups and is fair and transparent. It can be expected that a is fair and transparent. It can be expected that a Welcome to Country could cost anywhere from $150 - Welcome to Country could cost from $150 - $400. $400. However, these prices are provided only as a However, these prices are provided only as a general general guide. guide. Added Image Replace Yamaji people with Southern Yamatji Peoples

Thanking the Traditional Owner Thanking the Traditional Owner Choosing the right words and forms of address is Choosing the right words and forms of address is particularly important; always ask Aboriginal people how particularly important. Always ask Aboriginal people how they would like to be addressed. Only use the terms they would like to be addressed. Only use the terms ‘aunty’ or ‘uncle’ when invited to do so. ‘aunty’ or ‘uncle’ when invited to do so. A brief acknowledgement is given after the Traditional A brief acknowledgement is given after the Traditional Owner has given the Welcome to Country, a suitable Owner has given the Welcome to Country, a suitable response would typically include the following wording: response would typically include the following wording: ‘I would like to thank (name of person) and would also ‘I would like to thank (name of person) and would also like to pay my respect to the Traditional Owners the like to pay my respect to the Traditional Owners the (names of groups) people and Elders past present and (names of groups) people and Elders past present and future on whose country we are meeting.’ future on whose country we are meeting.’ If no language group is given then one should substitute If no language group is given then one should substitute with Yamaji people. with Southern Yamatji Peoples.

Yamaji Acknowledgement of Country Southern Yamatji Peoples Acknowledgement of Change Yamaji Peoples to Southern An Acknowledgement of Country is a way for the wider Country Yamatji Peoples which reflects new community to show their awareness of and respect for An Acknowledgement of Country is a way for the wider Native Title Claims. the First Peoples, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait community to show their awareness of and respect for Islanders, on whose land the meeting, or event, is being the First Peoples, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait held. Islanders, on whose land the meeting, or event, is being held. It also recognises the Aboriginal peoples continuing It also recognises the Aboriginal peoples continuing connection to the land. Unlike a Welcome to Country, an connection to the land. Unlike a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by both Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by both an Aboriginal person and a non-Aboriginal person. an Aboriginal person and a non-Aboriginal person.

An Acknowledgement of Country can take place with or An Acknowledgement of Country can take place with or without a Welcome to Country and /or when a less without a Welcome to Country and /or when a less formal gathering is taking place. Subsequent speakers formal gathering is taking place. Subsequent speakers may also choose to acknowledge the Traditional Owners. may also choose to acknowledge the Traditional Owners.

If the event does not have an official Welcome to If the event does not have an official Welcome to Country by a Traditional Owner then the Country by a Traditional Owner then the Acknowledgement to Country should be included within Acknowledgement to Country should be included within a general welcome and before any of the event a general welcome and before any of the event proceedings start. proceedings start.

An acknowledgement of the Yamaji people as the An Acknowledgement of the Southern Yamatji Peoples Sentence rewored for the City of Traditional Owners should be worded as follows: as the Traditional Owners should be worded as follows Greater Geraldton for the City of Greater Geraldton:

‘I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Yamaji ‘I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Southern Change Yamaji Peoples to Southern people who are the Traditional Owners and First People Yamatji Peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First Yamatji Peoples of the land on which we meet/stand. I would like to pay People of the land on which we stand. The Nhanhagardi, Add Nhanhagardi, Wilunyu, Amangu my respect to the Elders past, present and future for they Wilunyu, Amangu. I would like to pay my respect to the wording hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes Elders past, present and future for they hold the of the Yamaji People.’ memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of the Southern Yamatji Peoples.’

Acknowledgement when you are unsure of the Acknowledgement of Southern Yamatji Peoples as the Change Yamaji Peoples to Southern Traditional Owners of the land should be worded as Traditional Owners should be worded as follows for the Yamatji Peoples follows: Town of Mullewa: New wording for Acknowledgement of ‘Before I commence, I wish to acknowledge the ‘I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Southern Mullewa Country. Traditional Owners of this land upon which we stand and Yamatji Peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First pay my respect to the Elders past, present and future for People of the land on which we stand. I would like to pay they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and my respect to the Elders past, present and future for they the hopes of Aboriginal Australia.’ hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of the Southern Yamatji Peoples.’

Additional information Additional information Due to the nature of the Native Title claimants and local Due to the nature of the Native Title claimants and local perceptions, it is recommended that the City rotate perceptions, it is recommended that the City rotate requests to various Traditional Owners for Welcome to requests to various Traditional Owners for Welcome to Country opportunities, and to periodically review Country opportunities, and to periodically review recommended Traditional Owners and their contact recommended Traditional Owners and their contact details. details.

For any matter causing concern or needing clarification, For any matter causing concern or needing clarification, or for events that include or impact on the Aboriginal or for events that include or impact on the Aboriginal community – please contact the Aboriginal Development community please contact the City of Greater Geraldton Officer. Community and Aboriginal Development Officer.

Contact list See attached list (page 18) of Native Title Contact list See attached list (page 13) of Native Title Claimants authorised to give a Welcome to Country. Claimants authorised to give a Welcome to Country.

Definitions Definitions Welcome to Country – A ceremony performed by Welcome to Country – A ceremony performed by Aboriginal people to officially welcome someone to their Aboriginal people to officially welcome someone to their land. land.

Acknowledgement of Country – A way for the wider Acknowledgement of Country – A way for the wider community to show an awareness of and respect for the community to show an awareness of and respect for the First Peoples of the land by acknowledging them before First Peoples of the land by acknowledging them before events commence. events commence.

Traditional Owner – The descendants of the identified Traditional Owner – The descendants of the identified original inhabitants of the area, having a spiritual and original inhabitants of the area, having a spiritual and cultural connection to cultural connection to the lands and waters of their the lands and waters of their ancestors. ancestors.

Native Title – Recognition of Indigenous peoples rights to Native Title – Recognition of Indigenous peoples rights to Land, Sea, Traditional Laws and Culture through the Land, Sea, Traditional Laws and Culture through the Australian Legal System. Australian Legal System.

Wilunyu People – is a positional descriptor in the Wajarri Added Winunyu People text language meaning “coastal”, “seaward” or “westward”. Some Southern Yamatji members may choose to describe themselves and their country using this word.

Nhanagardi People – is a traditional name for the people Added Nhanagardi People text and Country in the Southern Yamatji claim. This is one that some Southern Yamatji members choose to describe themselves.

Amangu People – Name of the Native Title Claimant Amangu People – is the word for “man” or “person” in Added text This is a way that some Group for the City of Greater Geraldton area the traditional language of the Country in the Southern Southern Yamatji claimants choose to Yamaji claim area. This is a way that some Southern describe themselves. Yamatji claimants choose to describe themselves.

Naaguja People – Name of the Native Title Claimant Naaguja People – Name of the Native Title Claimant Added text Group for the City of Greater Geraldton area. Group for the Northwest area of the City to describe for the Northwest area of the City to themselves, their language and their Country. describe themselves, their language and their Country.

Mullewa Wajarri People – Name of the Native Title Mullewa Wadjari People – Name of the Native Title Claimant Group for the Mullewa/ Murchison area. Claimant Group for the Mullewa/ Murchison area.

Wajarri Yamaji People – Name of the Native Title Wajarri Yamaji People – Name of the Native Title Claimant Group for the Murchison area. Claimant Group for the Murchison area

Yamaji/Yamatji – Yamaji is the Wajarri word for Yamatji/Yamaji – Yamatji is the Wajarri word for Aboriginal man however, today the meaning of Yamaji Aboriginal man, however, today the meaning of Yamatji has been extended to mean any Aboriginal person from has been extended to mean any Aboriginal person from the Midwest/Murchison region. Speakers of the Midwest/Murchison region. Speakers of Wajarri refer to their language as Wajarri, and to Wajarri refer to their language as Wajarri, and to themselves as both Yamaji and Wajarri people themselves as both Yamatji and Wajarri people (Mackman 2011, p 231. (Mackman 2011, p 231).

REFERENCE LIST Reference list changed UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG box deleted uow.edu.au/about/policy/uow15134.html YAMATJI MARLPA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION ymac.org.au WAJARRI DICTIONARY Mackman 2011, p 231

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WELCOME TO COUNTRY MONITORING WELCOME TO COUNTRY MONITORING Change made to position title and The City’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer The City’s Community and Aboriginal Development sentence rewod will be responsible for keeping the information Officer will be responsible for ensuring the information contained in the Welcome to Country current and is contained in the Welcome to Country Guide remains responsible for: current. This role is responsible for: • Periodic review of the Welcome to Country contact • Periodic review of the Welcome to Country contact list list • Providing advice and support to councillors and staff • Providing advice and support to Councillors and staff regarding Welcome to Country regarding Welcome to Country • Liaising with Native Title Representative Groups for • Liaising with Native Title Representative Groups for up to date and current Native Title information up to date and current Native Title information • Providing support and advice to Councillors and staff • Providing support and advice to Councillors and staff on all events that include and have an impact on the on all events that include and have an impact on the Aboriginal community. Aboriginal community

WELCOME TO COUNTRY’ PROCESS WELCOME TO COUNTRY PROCESS Change in position title 1 Find out who the Traditional Owners are in the area 1 Find out who the Traditional Owners are in the area Page numbers updated to reflect where your event is being held (see maps pages 9 -14). If where your event is being held (see map page 9). If you revisions you are still not sure speak to the Aboriginal Community are still not sure speak to the Community and Aboriginal Development Officer who will be able to assist you. Development Officer who will be able to assist you. 2 Once you have identified the Traditional Owners go to 2 Once you have identified the Traditional Owners go to the list located on page 18. Before you make contact the list located on page 13. Before you make contact with them please make sure that you have read and with them please make sure that you have read and understand pages 3 & 4. understand pages 4 & 5 3 Make contact with the Traditional Owner inviting them 3 Make contact with the Traditional Owner inviting them to give a Welcome to Country, it is important that you to give a Welcome to Country. It is important that you discuss with them the following; discuss the following: • Negotiate a fee for service • Negotiate a fee for service • Provide them with as much information as possible • Provide them with as much information as possible about your event, including the date, time and theme of about yourevent, including the date, time and theme of the event; encourage them to tell their story around the the event event theme. • Encourage them to tell their story around the event 4 Ask the Traditional Owner to provide an ABN, if they theme have one, otherwise they will need to complete a 4 Ask the Traditional Owner to provide an ABN if they statement by supplier form (see page 17). have one, otherwise they will need to complete a 5 Once you have spoken to the Traditional Owner you statement by supplier form (see page 12) will need to send an official letter of invitation. Make 5 Once you have spoken to the Traditional Owner you sure that you have all of their correct details and keep will need to send an official letter of invitation. Make them updated regarding your event. sure that you have all of their correct details and keep (see list page 18) them updated regarding your event. (see list page 13) 6 If on the day of your event for some reason the 6 If on the day of your event for some reason the Traditional Owner does not turn up you will need to: Traditional Owner does not turn up you will need to: 1) Contact the Citys Aboriginal Community Development • Contact the City’s Community and Aboriginal Officer Development Officer 2) Contact another Elder from the relevant claimant • Contact another Elder from the relevant claimant group group – see list on p18. (see list on p13) 3) Conduct an Acknowledgement of Country • Conduct an Acknowledgment of Country

Authorised list of Elders has been updated to reflect the change to Southern Yamatji peoples.

Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer details to be updated with The Welcome to Country Guidelines is produced for The Welcome to Country Guidelines is produced for endorsement date once passed by information purposes only. information purposes only. Council The City of Greater Geraldton does not guarantee or The City of Greater Geraldton does not guarantee or imply the imply the accuracy of the statements or estimates accuracy of the statements of estimates contained within the document. The City of Greater Geraldton shall not be liable contained within the document. The City of Greater for any loss or damages howsoever caused as a result of the Geraldton shall not be liable for any loss or damages reliance upon information contained in this text. howsoever caused as a result of the reliance upon Copyright © the City of Greater Geraldton 2014 except where information contained in this text. otherwise in this text. Published by the City of greater Copyright © the City of Greater Geraldton 2014, except Geraldton. where otherwise in this text. Published by the City of Endorsed by the City of Greater Geraldton Council on Greater Geraldton. ######### Endorsed by the City of Greater Geraldton Council on Next review due June 2018 27 January 2015. Next review due January 2016.