Welcome to Country

A MESSAGE FROM TRADITIONAL OWNERS AUNTY DIANNE KERR OAM AND N’ARWEET CAROLYN BRIGGS AND APAM’S FIRST NATIONS ADVISORY GROUP

As you prepare to attend the APAM gathering both digitally and in-person, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Traditional Custodians would like to extend an invitation as a visitor to their lands, home and Cultural space. We ask as you walk, work and visit that you would do so with the awareness that where you place your feet and rest your head, you are a visitor in their home. We ask to be mindful to always look after Country, respect the land, air, sea and waterways and the life that surrounds us. We ask to respect the Sovereign people of this Country, Elders and broader First Nations Community.

APAM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, Communities and Culture. Under the guidance of its First Nation Advisory Group APAM supports global efforts in self-determined First Nations protocols and Ceremonies when working and visiting on the unceded and contested lands on the Kulin Nations where the APAM Gathering at RISING will be held. These Protocols and Ceremonies are guided by Elders and Traditional Owners of Country in which we honour respectful relationships.

Together, we would like to also extend an invitation to build towards a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Traditional Custodians of Country and hope that you would like to meet and exchange with both Tradition Custodian groups.

Wednesday 7 June
10 AM AEST: Official APAM Welcome by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung (digital)
10.20 AM AEST: Official APAM  Welcome by Boon Wurrung (digital)

As we embark on this journey of our circles and songlines crossing paths, we hope that being together is a valued time of learning, growing and building a hopeful future for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you during the Gathering.