This selection of Picture Books forms part of our English program, encouraging children to enjoy literature from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders, Maori, and other First Nations people.

Includes 8 picture books, allowing you to enjoy one each week for a whole term. New for 2023!

Week One - Welcome To Country

A Welcome to Country is a way that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders extend a welcome visitors on their land and show their respect to the land that they are meeting on.  It is delivered by Traditional Owners (or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been given permission from Traditional Owners) to welcome visitors to their Country.  In this picture book, Aunty Joy Murphy explains this a little more (4:50 mins):

 

 


Please Note: A Welcome to Country is different to an Acknowledgement of Country. An Acknowledgement of Country can be given by anyone - you don't need permission from Traditional Owners. It is a simple and sincere statement to pay respect to the continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have with the land. Wording like this is often used:

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. I would also like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

An engaging way to teach children about Acknowledgement of Country is through this animation (40 secs):

 



If you have a Play School fan then you may like to watch this episode of Play School about Acknowledgement of Country. You will have to log into iView to watch it, but it is free to watch.


Last modified: Wednesday, 5 April 2023, 8:04 PM