Traditions and rituals—learning with respect
Practical guidance on cultural etiquette and ceremony, shaped with contributors and grounded in consent, clarity, and care.
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement
Understand differences, when each is appropriate, and how to request a Welcome from local custodians with fair fees and proper attribution.
Protocols for events and workplaces
Design openings, signage, and language that reflect place and community relationships. Avoid tokenism with meaningful, repeatable practices.
Seasonal rhythms and ceremony
Learn how Country shapes timing, language, and behavior. We emphasise local context and the importance of seeking advice before acting.
Callouts: First Nations protocols
- Seek free, prior and informed consent before sharing cultural knowledge
- Credit knowledge holders by name and community where consented
- Pay fair fees on time; budget for preparation and follow-up
- Protect sensitive knowledge; some stories are not for public use
Cultural literacy and etiquette
Principles
- Relationship first: listen, ask, and follow guidance
- Specificity matters: respect local languages, names, and protocols
- Transparency: be clear about intent, audience, and outcomes
- Safety: design spaces where participants can ask questions with care
Do and Don’t
- Do: allocate budget and time for community consultation
- Do: use correct names and spellings as advised
- Don’t: assume another region’s protocol applies to yours
- Don’t: record or publish without explicit consent
Acknowledgement of Country: We pay respect to Elders past and present and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
Partner credits: We work with community advisors and facilitators; attribution is listed on event briefs and story pages where consented.
Programs and practical sessions
Program packages
- Cultural Awareness Briefing (60–90 min): etiquette, language, and Q&A
- Protocol Design Sprint (half-day): co-create openings, signage, and scripts
- Custodian-Led Session (by request): hosted by local knowledge holders
Expected outcomes
- Clear, ethical actions your team can implement immediately
- Confidence in acknowledgements and event openings
- Guidance on attribution and remuneration
“The team showed humility and kept the process accountable. Our advice was credited and paid fairly.”
J. Roberts, Community Advisor, NSW
“We finally have a protocol we understand and can repeat, without fear of getting it wrong.”
Hannah Doyle, Program Manager, ACT
“Practical steps, plain language, and care for cultural safety—excellent facilitation.”
Leo Nguyen, Event Producer, VIC