The NSW Government recognises Aboriginal people's unique position in the history and culture of NSW. Aboriginal people are the original owners of the land and it is important that this special position is recognised and incorporated into official protocol.

Recognition of Aboriginal Cultural Protocols and Practices is a guide to assist agencies in acknowledging Aboriginal people's unique position. The Protocols require agencies to incorporate appropriate Aboriginal cultural practices in official events and provide resources to assist achieve this.

By incorporating Aboriginal cultural practices into official events, agencies are able to:

• Recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal peoples, cultures and heritage.
• Communicate Aboriginal cultural practices to the broader community to promote respect and understanding.
• Demonstrate that Aboriginal cultures are living through maintenance and practice of ceremonies and protocols.
• Demonstrate recognition of Aboriginal people's unique position which can assist in building relationships and partnerships.

The Department of Aboriginal Affairs has prepared a minimum fee schedule which provides a payment guide for Aboriginal cultural practice ceremonies/performances.

I encourage all agencies to utilise the Protocols to ensure appropriate recognition of Aboriginal people and to demonstrate to the broader NSW community that Aboriginal cultures and cultural practices have survived and continue to be practiced.

C Gellatly
Director-General