Aboriginal elder views council’s abolition of ‘Recognition of Country’ as a ‘racist attack’ – but they hit back and reveal why the move was made

An Aboriginal elder has called a regional council’s decision to dump Acknowledgments to Country before meetings and in official correspondence “racist”.

However, councilors who voted in favor of abolishing the tradition have hit back, saying their intention is now to recognize every elder, regardless of their cultural background, rather than singling out those who are Aboriginal.

Northern Areas Council, 200km north of Adelaide, passed the official motion to drop the ceremony earlier this month.

But Ngadjuri elder Parry Agius said he “did not know” why the ceremony had been removed from council proceedings.

‘[I’m] the feeling that Ngadjuri people are not wanted in that place, in that region,” Aguis told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

‘The reason behind recognition is really about recognizing that there were Aboriginal people before the area was colonized.

“There are Aboriginal people who now want to come back to the region for work, play, fun and reconciliation, and now that approach is being tempered.”

Mr Agius emphasized that although a recognition of the country may occasionally appear ‘bland’, its significance should not be underestimated.

The motion to ‘remove the recognition of the land’ was initiated by Councilor Hank Langes and seconded by Councilor John Barberien. Although it was passed, only five voted in favor and four against.

“Our ancestors are in that space and by actually acknowledging the statement, our ancestors connect with that statement and with the people who make that recognition,” Mr. Agius said.

“So it’s not lost, that relationship still exists.”

Adnyamathanha elder Vince Coulthard also calls the move to dump the recognition a “racist attack.”

“It is absolutely disgusting that the council that represents the interests of the council’s electorate simply cannot recognize First Nations people,” he said.

The motion to abolish the ritual was initiated by Councilman Hank Langes and seconded by Councilman John Barberien, but the vote was not unanimous.

“I don’t think there’s any room for reconciliation anymore when things like this happen.”

However, Cr Langes has defended the decision, telling Daily Mail Australia it was “not a racist attack” and instead an attempt to include all races.

“I wanted to recognize every elder, regardless of race, who has made this country what it is today. That’s all I ever wanted,” he said.

‘We will discuss this further at the next council meeting, where we will thank everyone.

“I agree that we need to acknowledge the past, but not just for one race.”

Mr Aguis said that while the welcome may feel ‘bland’, it was essential to the council’s relationship with indigenous ancestors and elders (Photo: A welcome ceremony to the country)

Cr Hank Langes (left) said his motion to remove the welcome was not a racist attack, but instead an attempt to recognize everyone who has made Australia what it is today

The decision comes after the overwhelming defeat of Voice to Parliament and growing criticism that Welcome to Country is being overused in Australia.

South Australians surprised the Yes campaign by voting overwhelmingly against including a Voice to Parliament in the constitution, with 61.47 percent voting no.

All ten federal voters also voted against.

A second South Australian council votes to stop reading a Welcome to Country at the start of each meeting.

Playford Council, located in Adelaide’s northern region, decided on Tuesday evening to end the practice of verbally reciting an acknowledgment of land.

Instead, they have chosen to place an ‘inclusive’ recognition on their website. In addition, they will reserve oral recognition for special events, such as the swearing-in of council members.

Councilor David Kerrison, who tabled the motion, said reading out an acknowledgment of the land at each meeting “went overboard.”

“I listen to the younger generation going to university and colleges – it is read before every talk,” Sister Kerrison said.

‘I think it has gone a bit too far and is not in balance for me.’

The Northern Areas Council – which is 200km north of Adelaide – says its departments are on the ancestral lands of Ngadjuri and Nukunu traditional owners

An acknowledgment of the land and welcome to the country is seen as an opportunity to show respect for indigenous culture and traditional owners.

By incorporating the ritual into meetings, gatherings and events, it reminds Australians that they live and work on Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander lands, Reconciliation Australia said.