Australia Day 2022 – NATSICC (pdf)

The first plaque endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for use in Catholic schools, parishes and organizations, the NATSICC Acknowledgment plaques are a bold statement of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Displaying the plaque proudly in a prominent position in your Parish, School or Organisation is a physical sign of welcome and understanding for all Australians. It also provides the opportunity to educate the wider community of the need for continual progress on the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.

By purchasing and displaying our acknowledgment plaque you are sharing the vision of The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council – that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be included in the prayers and thoughts of all Australian Catholics. Those displaying the plaques (or any other Acknowledgment Plaque) will be listed as a Partner in Faith.

Frequently asked questions

Why is acknowledgment important?

The practice of inclusion forms an important part of rebuilding the relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non Indigenous Australians. The erection of a plaque or sign at the Church is a symbol of welcome for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an acknowledgment that there is an understanding of Australia’s past.

An Acknowledgment of Traditional Custodians must be seen in the context in which ‘Country’ is understood by Australia’s first people. Professor Mick Dodson explains this relationship –

“For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains.”

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