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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
from Fraser Coast Gallery
by Hannah Byrne
The Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of country (land, sea and sky), the Butchulla (Badtjala) people, on the Fraser Coast upon which this strategic plan will operate. We also acknowledge the cultural diversity of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, elders past, present and emerging, as well as the significant contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made and continue to make to shape the identity of the Fraser Coast and Australia.
The Traditional Owners as the Aboriginal custodians of the Fraser Coast for thousands of years prior to European settlement are recognised in this Strategic Plan for their significant contribution to shaping the identity of the Fraser Coast now and into the future. The Butchulla (Badtjala) people sustained a balanced lifestyle on country (land, sea and sky) meeting their own needs within a caring for country context. Their ongoing responsibilities and connection to country, people, culture, language, history, and traditions are recognised and respected as we work together for the future of the Fraser Coast.
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Source: “Fraser Coast Community Plan.”
In accordance with the acknowledgements in the key publication, Badtjala – English English – Badtjala Word List, the following is recognised: “Badtjala is also spelt Butchulla. Butchulla is a phonetic spelling and Badtjala is an Aboriginal spelling.” (Foley & Wondunna Aboriginal Corporation, 2019, p. iii). This document will hereafter refer to the Badtjala (Butchulla) people as Badtjala in accordance with the Aboriginal spelling.
Badtjala – English English – Badtjala Word List was first published in 1996 by the Wondunna Aboriginal Corporation with Shirley Foley, and republished in 2019 by Pirri Productions with Dr Fiona Foley (Foley & Wondunna Aboriginal Corporation, 2019).
— Aunty Jan Williams, Butchulla community representative.
