Please note: This page may contain the names, voices and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have passed away.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands and waters across this continent. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reading this today. Sovereignty was never ceded.

First Nations

65,000+ years. One continuing story.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold the longest continuing cultures on Earth. This section honours that inheritance — with respect, care, and a commitment to lifting First Nations voices rather than speaking over them.

Our editorial commitment

Voices led by First Nations writers, checked with Elders and community.

· Stories about Country are written or co-written by community members.
· Sacred, secret, or ceremonial material is never published.
· Language and place names use community-preferred spelling.
· Images of deceased persons carry clear warnings and, wherever possible, family consent.
· We link back to First Nations organisations rather than paraphrasing them.

Country

Country is more than land.

Country holds language, law, ceremony, kinship and story. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it is a living relationship — one that has shaped care for this continent for tens of thousands of years.

Language

250+ language groups, 800+ dialects.

Before 1788, hundreds of distinct languages were spoken across the continent. Many are now being revived by community linguists, Elders and school programs — a quiet, powerful act of cultural continuity.

Art

The world's oldest continuing artistic tradition.

From ancient rock art at sites like Murujuga and Kakadu to contemporary painters and weavers exhibiting internationally, First Nations art carries knowledge, place and story across generations.

Community

Self-determination, everyday.

Land councils, community-controlled health services, ranger programs and legal services led by First Nations people are strengthening communities and delivering measurable outcomes on the ground.

Landscape depicting Country — mountains, sky and open land. — Country
"When we care for Country, Country cares for us. It's not a metaphor — it's a way of living that has kept this continent healthy for millennia."

Learn from First Nations sources

Read the primary voices.

Rather than paraphrasing, we link you to organisations run by and for First Nations people. Please read them directly.

Cultural care

Something in this section not right?

If you're a Traditional Owner, community member or family and something on this page is inaccurate, culturally inappropriate, or should be removed — please contact us. We will act on your request.

Contact the editors