Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

On Wednesday, February 18th, Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey completed a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony at Thornbury High School. These are traditional practices that have been performed around this country for thousands of years, and are designed to welcome people onto the lands of Traditional Custodians, with the Smoking Ceremony serving as a cleansing and purifying moment.

Thane Garvey’s family has been on Wurundjeri lands since before colonisation. He spoke with passion and conviction about the importance of First Nations Peoples’ customs and knowledge, as well as the ongoing desire for Treaty and Reconciliation. Thornbury High School thanks Thane for his words and his time.

Many staff and students attended the Welcome to Country, listening to Thane and taking part in the Smoking Ceremony. This participation is a great sign of respect for the ceremonies and practices of First Nations Peoples.