Building Respect Through Song: Our Acknowledgement of Country

At the start of every Branch Into Music class, we sing an Acknowledgement of Country together, whilst a recording of the didgeridoo plays in the background. It’s a simple song with intuitive actions and some Auslan signs that children quickly learn:

“Here is the earth. Here is the sky. Here are my friends and here am I.
We thank the Wadawurrung people for the land on which we learn, play and sing.
Hands up, hands down, we are on Wadawurrung ground.”

Why an Acknowledgement of Country matters

Acknowledging Country is a way of showing respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land. When we do this with our very young children, we are helping them to:

• Understand connection to Country – that the land we play, learn, and sing on has deep cultural and spiritual significance.
• Build respect and inclusion – it teaches children that First Nations peoples and cultures are valued and important.
• Develop a sense of place – children begin to see themselves as part of a community that cares for the land and honours its history.

Beginning each class with an Acknowledgement sets a tone of gratitude, respect, and togetherness.

Why we sing it (instead of just saying it)

Children learn best through music, rhythm, and movement. By singing our Acknowledgement:

• It becomes joyful and memorable – the melody helps the words “stick,” even for very young children.
• It engages the whole body – when paired with actions, children feel the meaning, not just hear the words.
• It builds community – singing together unites the group and creates a sense of belonging right from the beginning.

Including Auslan

We also use some Auslan (Australian Sign Language) signs as we sing. This not only supports children’s understanding through visual and kinaesthetic learning, but it also makes our Acknowledgement more inclusive. Signing as we sing adds another beautiful layer of connection - children love using their hands to express meaning, and it reinforces the message that everyone belongs.

A shared ritual

Over time, our sung and signed Acknowledgement has become a cherished ritual. When the didgeridoo soundtrack begins to play, parents, grandparents, and children join me in a moment of respect and togetherness, before we launch into our music-making. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that music, movement, language, and culture are deeply interconnected.

I’ve recorded a video of our Branch Into Music Acknowledgement of Country so you can see and hear it in action. I hope it inspires you to incorporate a sung Acknowledgement into your own classroom, home, or community.

✨ Note: Auslan is the language of the Australian Deaf community. If you are new to Auslan, it’s a good idea to learn signs from a reliable source or teacher, so that they are used respectfully and correctly. Even learning a few simple signs can help children see language diversity in action and encourage inclusion.