In Australia, the Welcome to Country ceremony holds profound significance as it serves as a bridge between the Indigenous custodians of the land and visitors, acknowledging the enduring connection of Indigenous peoples to their ancestral territories. This ceremonial tradition is a powerful gesture of respect and hospitality. It symbolizes an invitation for guests to reverently enter the land, recognizing its spiritual and cultural significance.
Shannon Ruska delivered the Welcome to Country at the ATypI Conference in Meanjin (Brisbane). As a bloodline descendant of Yuggera, Turrbal, Nunukul, Gorenpul/Cooperoo, and Yugembir, Shannon has a deep knowledge of language and stories related to the local area, and he engaged the crowd from the first words spoken in his tribal language to getting people up on their feet dancing. It was a wonderful way to kick off the conference.
In the context of Meanjin’s history, Shannon’s presence serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the original custodians of the land now known as Brisbane.