The Belonging Bookshelf

Recognising the Traditional Owners of Auslan

We acknowledge the Deaf community as the Traditional Owners and custodians of Auslan. We honour the Deaf elders, leaders, families and communities who have carried, shaped and passed this rich language from one generation to the next.

Auslan is more than a language, it is a living expression of Deaf culture, identity, history and connection. We recognise and give thanks to those who came before us, whose knowledge, creativity and resilience have nurtured Auslan and ensured it continues to thrive today.

We pay our respects to the elders who have passed on this language, and honour those who continue to carry it forward for generations to come.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today, the Aboriginal peoples who have cared for Country, culture and community for tens of thousands of years.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour their enduring connection to Country, waterways, language, culture and community.

We recognise the strength, resilience and continuing contribution of Aboriginal peoples, and acknowledge that this land was, is and always will be Aboriginal land.