Welcome to Country 1.2

Important Considerations:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should be aware that this application may include images and audio recordings of individuals who have passed away.

Overview of the Application:

• The Welcome to Country iPhone application provides a straightforward introductory video that offers insight into Australian Indigenous culture, highlighting fundamental cultural protocols specific to tribal boundaries.
• The app utilizes the iPhone’s GPS functionality to deliver a Welcome to Country message—via video or text/image—to the user. When within a recognized tribal boundary, the app presents a welcome from a traditional owner or elder associated with that region upon entry.
• This application aims to educate users about the cultural practices and heritage of Traditional Owners across Australia, fostering a greater understanding of the diverse Indigenous groups and languages. It also imparts basic information about tribal customs relevant to specific geographic areas.
• The Welcome to Country app is suitable for various audiences—including tourists, educational institutions, workplaces, government agencies, tourism organizations, and individual users—seeking to enhance cultural awareness.
• Version 1.0 features more than 30 Indigenous tribes and language groups, representing a subset of Australia's over 500 known groups. Ongoing updates will expand this coverage, so users are encouraged to check back regularly for new content.

Definition of ‘Welcome to Country’:

• A ‘Welcome to Country’ constitutes a greeting delivered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian or elder from the local region. This can be communicated through speech, song, dance, or ceremonial rites and has been an integral aspect of Indigenous protocol for thousands of years. Protocols and customs vary across different regions and communities.
• Source: http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/atsia/welcome_to_country

Additional Context:

• Many may not realize that Australia is home to over 500 Indigenous tribes and numerous language groups, each with distinct territorial boundaries and cultural identities. The Indigenous Australia map available at http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/ provides a broad outline of larger groupings; however, smaller entities such as clans, dialect groups, or individual languages may also exist within these regions.
• If you are a traditional owner or part of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language community interested in being included on the app, please contact us at [email protected].

About the Developer:

• The Welcome to Country application is produced by Weerianna Street Media (WSM).
• This project is part of WSM’s ‘Digital Dreamtime Project’ and receives support from the Australian Government as well as Woodside Energy / Pluto LNG (a joint venture with Tokyo Gas and Kansai Electric).
• WSM is an entirely Indigenous-owned media production company based in Roebourne, Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with a population under 900. The company is directed by Tyson Mowarin—an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, musician, father, and proud Ngarluma man strongly connected to his cultural heritage.

Additional Notes:

• ^ Please note that the geographical locations provided for individual language groups are generalized and do not delineate precise tribal boundaries.
• ~ The Welcome to Country videos included in this application are intended solely for educational purposes. They should not be regarded as substitutes for official, in-person Welcome to Country ceremonies conducted by qualified elders or custodians.