Cultural Integrity: Rethinking Welcome to Country on Our Land
Credit supplied: 2024, Djukun Country
For the Djukun people, like other clans in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Our cultural practices are sacred and deeply tied to the spiritual wellbeing of the land and its people. One of the most significant ceremonies we conduct is the smoking ceremony, traditionally performed at births and deaths. This practice, passed down through the generations, is an ancient and essential cultural obligation. It is not simply a ritual but a means of maintaining the balance and harmony of Djukun Country, and it has been performed since time immemorial.
However, in recent years, the Welcome to Country ceremony has emerged while its origins are unknown it was formally introduced in February 2008, at the new Parliament opening ceremony. Interestingly the Welcome to Country aligns in timing. Though not directly related with the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Particularly to the Stolen Generation made on February 13, 2008. Since that time, Australians have observed the Welcome to Country widely adopted across Australia as a symbol of Indigenous recognition. While it may appear to be well-intentioned, this practice is not part of Djukun tradition. We do not refer to any of our sacred ceremonies as Welcome to Country, instead we call them smoking ceremonies. Smoking ceremonies are not about welcoming people to our land, but are deeply spiritual practices, connected to specific life events and responsibilities, such as births and deaths.
Since 2006, individuals without any ancestral connection to Djukun Country. Particularly those who do not identify themselves as Djukun have begun conducting Welcome to Country smoking ceremonies on our land. This is a serious breach of Djukun cultural protocols. Our smoking ceremonies should only be performed by those with the proper cultural authority, as they carry deep ancestral significance. Participating in such ceremonies without understanding risks bringing negative, lifelong energy not only to those involved but also to the land itself. This is a violation of our sacred cultural practices and traditions.
The Djukun Nation does not condone or support the performance of Welcome to Country smoking ceremonies on Djukun Country by outsiders. Our ceremonies, particularly the smoking ceremony, are sacred and intended for very specific purposes. They should not be conducted without proper cultural knowledge or authorisation.
If people are unsure of what to do but still wish to respectfully acknowledge Djukun Country and Djukun Traditional Owners, it is much safer and more appropriate to conduct an Acknowledgement of Country. Unlike the Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone, regardless of their cultural background. This practice respects the Djukun people and their ancestral lands without overstepping cultural boundaries or protocols. This is considered a respectful way to pay tribute to Djukun Country and Djukun Traditional Custodians.
As custodians of Djukun Country, we ask that anyone considering participating in or organising a Welcome to Country ceremony on our land first consult with us directly. The Djukun people assert that it is their right, and theirs alone, to determine whether or not a Welcome to Country ceremony is appropriate on Djukun Country. We also reserve the authority to decide under what circumstances such practices will take place. We must protect our ancient traditions and ensure that only those with the proper cultural authority conduct such sacred ceremonies. To proceed without this consultation is not only unethical but also a violation of our ancestral rights.
We encourage individuals and organisations to educate themselves about our sacred practices before engaging in any cultural ceremonies on Djukun Country. If you have questions or require guidance, please reach out by sending us an email to djukunnation@gmail.com. By doing so, you’ll help protect our cultural heritage while still acknowledging the significance of Djukun Country in a respectful and appropriate manner.
