A Sydney primary school has sparked an uproar after forcing students to chant “always was and always will be Aboriginal land” at the start of every assembly.
The school asks children to place their hands on the ground and repeat words as part of an Acknowledgement of Country.
A mother from the lower Blue Mountains region, who did not want to name the school, said “a lot of people” would not know what was happening.
“(Children) have to touch the ground and say ‘always was, always will be Aboriginal land’ at the start of assembly at school now,” she said. news.com.au.
‘Many parents seem confused when they place their hands on the ground for the Acknowledgement of Fatherland.’
Another parent confirmed that touching the ground had been a common practice for some time.
The mother added that an updated national anthem was also used with instruments such as the didgeridoo and the stick, replacing the traditional version.
Aboriginal instrumental versions of the national anthem are available on the Prime Minister and Cabinet website under the section entitled Official Recordings of the Australian Anthem and have been used in schools for a number of years.
A primary school has sparked a stir after forcing students to sing “always was, always will be Aboriginal land” at the start of every assembly (file image)
The NSW Department of Education encourages staff to incorporate a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country into meetings, events and gatherings.
“One of our aims is to promote greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures in our workplaces, our schools and in the wider community,” its website reads.
‘By observing these protocols and participating in this cultural practice we are also promoting understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural practice.
‘All staff are encouraged to incorporate a Welcome to Country and/or Country Acknowledgement into every meeting, event or other gathering.’
Dr. Bella d’Abrera, director of the Foundations of Western Civilization Program at the Institute of Public Affairs, described the elementary school’s action as a “shocking example of activism.”
“While these activities are not mandatory in schools, many teachers feel compelled to do them as the National Curriculum prioritizes indigenous issues in the classroom and education activists push this agenda,” she said.
“There is no place for activism in any classroom in Australia.”
This comes after civil servants were reportedly asked to remove their shoes and wiggle their toes during a welcome to the country last month.
A Welcome to Country can only be offered by the traditional owners or custodians of the land on which the event is held (pictured are performers during a Welcome to Country)
Staff from the Queensland Department of Justice and the Attorney-General’s office in Brisbane recently attended an awards ceremony that began with a welcome to the country.
They were asked to take off their shoes, wiggle their toes and close their eyes to feel more in tune with the earth, the Courier Mail reported.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and the Attorney General confirmed that a welcome ceremony was held at the event.
“Welcoming to the country or recognition of the country takes place at appropriate events organized by the government, including award ceremonies and conferences,” he said.
‘They can take many forms and often differ, depending on the nature of the event and the presenter.
‘For example, a welcome to the country may include singing, dancing or smoking ceremonies.’