Before the GWS Giants lost to the Collingwood in the finals, an unusual statement was made in Welcome to Country. It was delivered by Brendan Kerin, an educator from the MALC.
The message quickly went viral on social media.
Many Australians believe that it is not necessary for people to be welcomed in their own country.
Kerin tried to explain away his controversial statement before the match between the Giants and the Pies kicked off at Sydney’s Engie Stadium.
He said that he made the statement to explain how important the Welcome ceremony is.
Before the Giants took on the Brisbane Lions, Kerin started by saying that he was going to perform a Welcome to Country ceremony.
He then explained that it is not a welcome ceremony for everyone in Australia. He said that the country’s Aboriginal lands are referred to as “country” and it is always a welcome to those who have gathered there.
He then explained that the Welcome ceremony has been around for over 250,000 years. The BC stands for Before Cook, who was the first European to visit Australia.
The last comment made by Kerin received a few laughs and applause from the crowd.
Before Europeans arrived, people could easily get into trouble for walking on other people’s lands. Kerin then said that it was an honor to perform the Welcome ceremony.
He concluded his speech by welcoming everyone to the Wangal people and the Giants.
After delivering his speech, Kerin took a break from the ceremony to play a didgeridoo. Before the national anthem was played, he made a brief appearance and played a piece of music on the instrument.
The reception he received on social media was mixed. One person praised his speech and referred to it as informative.
One person called Kerin’s statement a disgrace to Australia. Some people, however, enjoyed his message. Others said that his statement annoyed the right people in the country.
Kerin’s statement was called a disgrace to Australia. The national anthem was then played following his performance. Mimi Velevska, a Sydney artist, sang the song.
