If you’re a values-led business owner who cares deeply about justice, inclusion, and showing genuine respect for Aboriginal people, but feel unsure about when or where an Acknowledgment of Country fits into your work, you’re not alone.
I hear this all the time:
“I want to include an Acknowledgment of Country, but I’m scared I’ll do it wrong or that it’ll seem performative.”
And yep, I get it. It’s a beautiful thing to want to do this meaningfully, not just as a tick-box exercise.
This blog is here to help you feel confident and clear about how, where, and when to include an Acknowledgment of Country in your business in a way that aligns with your values and feels deeply respectful.
First Up: What is an Acknowledgment of Country?
An Acknowledgment of Country is a way for non-Indigenous people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are on another mob’s Country, to show respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land you’re on.
It’s a powerful act of recognition and gratitude:
🖤 For the people and culture of that place
💛 For their ongoing custodianship since time immemorial
❤️ For the spiritual protection and blessing you receive by living, working, and creating on Aboriginal land
It’s not a script. It’s not a performance.
It’s a customary practice.
A commitment to show respect.
A reminder that this land is being actively cared for by Custodians—and you are a welcomed guest.
What You Might Not Know an Acknowledgment Can Do
Most people know it’s a way to show respect. But an Acknowledgment of Country—done well—can also:
- Communicate your allyship with Aboriginal people
- Signal to your audience that your spaces support social justice
- Show that disrespect and discrimination won’t be tolerated in your business
- Role model respect and responsibility—especially if you have a platform or influence
- Help others understand why it’s important (especially when it’s personal and meaningful)
- Contribute to building a new cultural norm: where Acknowledgment is a natural part of life
- Encourage others to start doing it too
Where Can You Include an Acknowledgment of Country?
There are so many ways to weave this into your business. Here are some of the most powerful spots:
- Website footer (or pop-up on entry)
- Social media bios or regular posts
- Email newsletters (top or bottom)
- Zoom meetings or webinars (as you open)
- In-person events and workshops (at the beginning)
- Workbooks, guides, or slide decks (I recommend the first page after the title)
- Podcast intros or YouTube videos
- Membership or course spaces (in pinned posts or community guidelines)
You don’t have to put it everywhere. What matters is being intentional and consistent.
Ask yourself:
“Where would this be most visible, impactful, or meaningful for the communities I want to show respect to?”
When Is It Appropriate to Do an Acknowledgment of Country?
This is where many people get stuck. But here’s a simple rule of thumb I give my clients:
If you’re hosting or organising any formal or semi-formal gathering in your business, give an Acknowledgment of Country.
That means anytime you’re asking people to be somewhere at a specific time, it’s appropriate. For example:
- At the start of any public-facing offer: webinars, workshops, launches, events
- When welcoming new people into a course, program, or container
- At the beginning of collaborative or co-creative sessions
- At the start of a retreat or each morning of a retreat
- When speaking on someone else’s stage or platform
- On significant days (NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Invasion Day, etc.)
- When sharing public reflections on justice, inclusion, or systemic change
When not to give one: during impromptu, casual catchups where there’s no designated host or facilitator.
Not Sure If You’re Doing It Right?
That’s okay. Feeling unsure is part of doing this work well.
The most important thing is your willingness to learn and your genuine intention to show respect. But yes—it does matter how it’s worded. It can come across as performative if it’s rushed, vague, copy-pasted, or disconnected from you.
If you’re wondering:
- Does this feel grounded and heartfelt?
- Does it reflect my voice and my values?
- Am I genuinely honouring Country and Custodians?
You’re already on the right track.
What Should a Basic Acknowledgment of Country Include?
To deliver an Acknowledgment that’s respectful and appropriate, start with these essentials:
- Name the Custodians or language group of the land you’re on
- Name the Aboriginal name for that land (e.g. Boorloo for Perth, Lutruwita for Tasmania)
- Pay special respect to the Elders, who are sacred, revered, and deeply loved in Aboriginal culture
But What If It Feels… Generic?
You want your Acknowledgment to really mean something, not just tick a box. You want it to reflect your heart, your values, and your commitment.
If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
An Acknowledgment of Country is meant to come from you. It’s a personal expression of respect and gratitude. If you’re not feeling something when you say it, you’re not quite there yet…but you can get there.
When I work with clients, I help them add:
- Their values – to make it personal and real
- Their service or mission themes – to connect it back to why it matters in their business
- Personal gratitude – to bring it into the tangible
- Support statements – often connected to current Aboriginal justice campaigns
- Allyship commitments – to show what actions they’re taking and where they’re headed
Client Examples
The Forever Agenda:
“The Forever Agenda respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the custodians of the place we are based.
We would like to thank them for the custodial role they play here in the before, in the present, and in the future. Their care for the land and custodianship has ensured we are all experiencing the abundance of this place and we are thriving to a point where we can give back to community. We can serve our community. We can contribute to positive social change and we can do it in a voluntary capacity.
The magnificent forests, the clear flowing creeks and the magical presence of the creature here like the oddly-wonderous platypus, the cleverly hidden echidnas, the lazy-day koalas, and the majestic black cockatoos; are all attributed to the nurture, love and precise land care management you practise.
The Forever Agenda recognises the unwavering spiritual connection you have to this country and acknowledges that sovereignty has never been ceded. We also wish to share our deep respects to the Elders of this place across time. Your community and cultural leadership is inspirational, and your contribution to the community is honorable. We are grateful“
Unstoppable eCommerce:
“On behalf of Unstoppable eCommerce I would like to acknowledge the Palawa people of Lutriwita as the First People of this amazing place I call home. Acknowledge them as the custodians and as the caretakers here through all of time.
The warm loving feeling of ‘home’ is felt here and it’s a testament to the nurturing and care you have provided this country for thousands of years. I have much appreciation for the beautiful beaches where my family enjoy skipping stones along the water and taking in the breathtaking sunset views of Mt Kunanyi.
I am grateful for the conservation practices you undertake and acknowledge that it’s because of this, my family are able to enjoy these moments of beauty. I pay respect to the Palawa Elders and acknowledge them as the wisdom holders and the teachers of the Palawa community.
I know I have much to learn and I am committed to listening to the Aboriginal community and taking action to be an ally and be an equitable business that honours your community and your culture.”
Want Help Crafting Yours?
If you’d love some gentle, expert support to create or refine your Acknowledgment of Country, I offer 1:1 Acknowledgment of Country Creation Sessions.
In this 60-minute co-creation space, we’ll work together to:
💛 Craft a heartfelt Acknowledgment that reflects your values and voice
💛 Refine an existing version (if you already have one)
💛 Explore where and how to use it in your business with confidence
💛 Walk away with something you’re proud to share—because it feels right
Normally $127, but for this week only you can book for just $99 with the code BLOG99.
👉 [Book your session here]
Let’s make this a beautiful part of your business—a reflection of your values and your allyship, not just a one-time checkbox.
Final Thoughts
Including an Acknowledgment of Country isn’t about being perfect—it’s about respect & being in relationship. With the land. With the people. With the truth.
It’s one way we, as business owners, can live into our values and take steps—however small—towards justice, equity, and respect.
You’re not expected to know everything. But you can take a step forward. And if you need a hand, I’m here.
In solidarity,
Louise O’Reilly is a social impact business coach helping values-led entrepreneurs grow businesses that honour inclusion, justice, and positive change.