Statement of Acknowledgement
The City of Casey proudly acknowledges the traditional owners, Casey's Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia's first peoples and as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live.
About the Statement of Acknowledgement
For Aboriginal people land has a profound spiritual value. Land is a source of life to which Aboriginal people belong by virtue of their birth into a region and group of people. Our Statement of Acknowledgement recognises that we value the unique status of Aboriginal peoples as the original owners and custodians of this land and waters. It is one step on the path to reconciliation.
Casey’s Aboriginal Engagement Unit determined that our Acknowledgement would be called the ‘Statement of Acknowledgement’ (also often referred to as an Acknowledgement of Country). This Statement – as with all Acknowledgements – differs significantly from a ‘Welcome to Country’ which is delivered by Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their Country. Note that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples not of a particular Country can be given permission from Traditional Owners to deliver a Welcome to Country.
Casey Council adopted the Statement of Acknowledgement in April 2019.
Using the Statement of Acknowledgement
This statement is used at Council meetings and civic and community functions as part of the introduction or opening. The Statement is also read internally at large meetings and engagements with external stakeholders.
The City of Casey encourages organisations, groups and people to consider using this Statement of Acknowledgement at their formal occasions as a mark of respect and step towards reconciliation with the Traditional Owners of this land.
Organisations are welcome to insert their name in place of ‘The City of Casey’ in the statement and have a representative read the passage at the start of an occasion. Alternatively, organisations and groups can develop their own Statement.
Purpose of reconciliation
The Statement represents a small step towards greater respect and understanding, however, much more needs to be done. Reconciliation requires sustained commitments and efforts towards achieving acceptance, justice and equity.
The City of Casey has recently commenced work on the development of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This is such an exciting step in our journey of Reconciliation as an organisation as it will create space for us all to reflect on where we are and where we need to go, ensuring that the foundational principle of self-determination is embedded in the work.
Further information can be found at Reconciliation Australia.