A welcome-to-nation ceremony held ahead of the Melbourne Cup has sparked much debate on social media.
On Tuesday afternoon Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter opened the event by recognizing the traditional custodians of the land.
“I would like to begin by acknowledging that this afternoon or evening we will gather on the lands of my ancestors, the Wurundjeri people,” he said.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to my elders, both past, present and emerging, elders of all nations, but in particular I want to pay my respects to everyone who was present this afternoon.
‘The Wurundjeri people welcome everyone to the land today. The Wurundjeri people want to protect the land as they have done before.’
Uncle Hunter concluded his welcome to the country by explaining the Wurundjeri borders before thanking listeners and encouraging them to enjoy their day.
‘The Wurundjeri people are part of the Kulin Nation. You are welcome to traditional lands and waterways. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you,’ he said.
His Welcome to the Country was much shorter than those he performed at the AFL event, and Melbourne Cup organizers quickly moved on to headline pre-race entertainment by Ronan Keating.
Wrundjeri leader and local elder Uncle Colin Hunter was introduced to the pre-race entertainment with a welcome to country (pictured).
The homecoming took place before race 7 (pictured winner Robbie Dolan riding Knight’s Choice in race 7)
Reactions on social media to the country’s welcome ahead of the Melbourne Cup were divided, although many expressed support for the tradition.
‘I love Welcome to the country. I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do it. “They are good wishes, not some kind of affront,” said one.
‘“It’s the biggest racing event of the year, of course a formal welcome to the country is appropriate,” explained a second.
‘For those who flaunt their ignorance here, it is a sign of respect that local elders welcome visitors to their country, their traditional local land.
‘This is one of the few uniquely Australian traditions we have at public events, similar to the New Zealand Haka. They are proud of theirs and we should be proud of this too.”
A third said: “It is a small gesture of recognition and respect, given the atrocities suffered by indigenous people.”
A fourth said; ‘It’s fine with me. It only takes a few minutes to be polite. Just accept it and move on.
However, some felt that the tradition was becoming overdone.
“I don’t need to be welcomed in my own country,” said one.
‘They should give him a break. “I’m over it, I’m sick of every sporting event,” added a second.