A Welcome to Country ceremony ahead of the Melbourne Cup has sparked major debate on social media.
On Tuesday afternoon, Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter opened the event by recognizing the country’s traditional custodians.
“I want to begin by acknowledging that we are meeting tonight or this afternoon on the land of my ancestors, the Wurundjeri people,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to my elders past, present and emerging elders from all countries, but especially I would like to pay my respects to everyone who is in the loop this afternoon.
“The Wurundjeri people welcome everyone to land today. The Wurundjeri people want to protect the land as they did before.”
Uncle Hunter concluded the Welcome to Country with an explanation of the Wurundjeri borders the border before thanking listeners and encouraging them to enjoy their day.
“The Wurundjeri people are part of the Kulin nation. You are welcome on the traditional land and waterways. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you,” he said.
His Welcome to Country was much shorter than the one he performed at the AFL event, with Melbourne Cup organizers promptly moving on to Ronan Keating’s pre-race entertainment headlines.
Wurundjeri leader and local elder Uncle Colin Hunter was introduced to the pre-race entertainment with a Welcome to Country (pictured)
The Welcome to Country took place prior to race 7 (photo, winner Robbie Dolan riding Knight’s Choice in race 7)
Reaction on social media to the Welcome to Country before the Melbourne Cup was mixed, although many expressed support for the tradition.
‘I love Welcome to Country. I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do that. These are well wishes, not an insult,” one person said.
‘It’s the biggest racing event of the year, and of course a formal Welcome to Country is in order,” explained a second.
“For those who flaunt their ignorance here, it is a sign of respect that local elders welcome visitors to their land, 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 can be proud of that too.’
A third said: ‘It’s such a small gesture of recognition and respect considering the atrocities the indigenous people have suffered.’
A fourth said; ‘I’m doing well. It only takes a few minutes to be polite. Just accept it and move on.
However, some felt the tradition was being exaggerated
“I don’t need to be welcomed in my own country,” said one.
‘They need to let it rest for a while. I’m over it, I’m sick of it at every sporting event,” a second added.