What is 'Country'?

“Healing Country is healing us. We are Country and Country is us. We are all one.”- Worimi Elder Uncle Steve Brereton

Country is a term used by First Nations peoples to refer to the lands, waters and skies to which they are connected through ancestral ties and family origins. For example, a Gamilaraay person from south-west Queensland might say, “I am from Gamilaraay Country” or “my Country is Gamilaraay.”

In this context, Country and Nation are sometimes used interchangeably. There are hundreds of Countries/Nations on this continent, each with their own culture, customs, language and Law.

This map from AIATSIS is a visual reminder of the richness and diversity of First Nations, but shows only the general locations of larger Countries/Nations, which may include smaller groups.

For visitors of a certain Country, acknowledging Country is a great way to demonstrate respect to the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of that Country.

“When the British came here, their idea of home was their homesteads. Our idea of home is Country.” - Yugambeh Elder Uncle Steve Cora.

Country encompasses land, waterways, seas and skies, as well as the energy and space in between. It also encompasses relationships. Relationships with plants, relationships with animals and relationships with Ancestors (to name a few).

First Nations relationships within Country are grounded in reciprocity. Reciprocity is about mutual respect and exchange. For First Nations people and Country, it’s about keeping balance. We take only what is needed, so natural resources are never exhausted.

When we do need something from Country, like a bush medicine or drinking water, we make sure we’re adding value in other ways, like cultural burning or through traditional ceremony.

So while Country is place, it is also relationship. It’s because of this deep relationship, that when Country is disrespected, First Nations people and wellbeing are impacted deeply.

“First Nations people are intrinsically entwined and connected to Country. We are inherently a part of our natural ecosystems where bloodlines run deep into our land and oceans. We must protect Country so that Country can protect us." - Kulkalaig woman Tishiko King, from the Island of Masig, Kulkalgal Nation of Zenadth Kes.

Country goes beyond the physical, and includes things that cannot be seen or touched, like knowledge.

Observing and listening to Country can teach us important lessons. Lessons about the past, present and future. Country informs Songlines and old stories, including those of the Dreaming. At the same time, Songlines and old stories show us how to navigate and protect Country.

“The Old People told me that we keep Country company. We sing to it, we dance, we look after it. And in any other form past this life, you will not have the same privilege to look after Country in the same way.” - Nyikina Warrwa and Wangkumara Barkindji woman Marlikka Perdrisat.

There are hundreds of Countries in Australia, each with their own culture, language, customs and law. Read this story to discover how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons can pay their respect to the Traditional Owners of the land.