Bindle acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their connection to the land. Sovereignty was never ceded.
It recently struck me when dropping my son off to Dame Nellie Melba Kindergarten that, at the mere age of 4, he is far more familiar with the concept of ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ than I am. He can recite the Acknowledgement of Country and is aware that the Wurundjeri-Willam people of the Kulin Nation are traditional owners of the land that Dame Nellie Melba Kinder resides on.
This was the spark that ignited further curiosity…
An Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing respect for the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which learning is taking place or a meeting or event is being held.
The acts of being welcomed to and acknowledging Country are a continuation of protocols that have been practiced for thousands of years. For non Indigenous Australians, Acknowledgement of Country is a symbolic act towards reconciliation, as it recognises the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
NAIDOC Week is approaching (4-11 July) and this year’s theme is ‘Heal Country!’
Heal Country! calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture and heritage.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. And in my case, a great opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and community that is tied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.
Bindle is joining the march towards Reconciliation and as such will commit to bring at least one Indigenous artisan into the Bindle fold withing the next 12 months and will actively seek out Indigenous suppliers when going to tender. Bindle is proud to partner with Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, donating 5% of all online sales for this quarter, in line with NAIDOC Week.
I look forward as a business owner to continue to further my knowledge and recognise all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, heritage and understanding of Country. And I look forward as a mother to guiding my children in the recognition and appreciation of Australia’s first peoples, and hearing and seeing what my 4 year old is able to share with me from his NAIDOC Week kinder learnings!
