Episode Details

This Reconciliation Week, Welcome to Country ceremonies are facing backlash as some heckle during Anzac Day services—but Indigenous elders say these traditions are rooted in deep history, where entering another tribe’s land required respect, permission, and reciprocity. Originating in 1978, these modern welcomes, led by elders like Richard Fejo and Colleen Hayward, aren’t just formalities—they’re invitations to share, learn, and honor 65,000 years of culture. Hayward emphasizes “people, place, and purpose,” warning that misunderstanding or overusing welcomes weakens their power. Elders argue that rejecting these ceremonies isn’t just about tradition—it’s about severing connection to land, culture, and each other, creating an emotional and spiritual void.

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