ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Uncle Rod is an inspiration to many. As a Kaurna Elder, he has devoted his life to helping others identify with their language and culture. With his Honours and Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science in Aboriginal Community Development and Management, he has worked tirelessly for over 23 years to support the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Aboriginal community.

His passion for reclaiming the Kaurna language is truly inspirational. Rod’s dream is to see every school in the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Plains region teaching his language and culture to future generations. His commitment to preserving and promoting Kaurna culture and language has earned him recognition as a finalist for the Local Hero Award as part of the 2021 SA Australian of the Year Awards.

Rod is an active member of the community, volunteering his time as a Chairperson on several committees, including the , and . His dedication and hard work have made a significant impact in creating a brighter future for the Aboriginal community.

Rod's passion for his culture and unwavering commitment to community service are truly inspiring. They serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when one follows one's dreams and works tirelessly to make them a reality.

"My dream is for the Kaurna language to be revived to a level where hundreds of people can converse in it with meaningful dialogue on a daily basis. For I believe, if it is spoken, people will gain strength, knowledge and power from it, thus keeping alive Kaurna culture."

What is a Welcome to Country?

A Welcome to Country ceremony is an inspiring and respectful protocol that has been part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for centuries. It’s the right way to welcome visitors to the Country. It is a way of acknowledging the land, the people, and the cultures and showing respect for the Original Owners of the land.

The ceremony must occur at the beginning of a formal event or meeting. It is a way of sharing culture, traditions, and stories with visitors and acknowledging the importance of the land and its people.

All three campuses of the University of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø sit on Kaurna Land. It is appropriate for a Welcome to Country to be performed by Kaurna people with both authority and respect within the community.

Why is recognition of Country so important?

There are many reasons why recognition of Country (through either the ‘Welcome to Country’ or the ‘Acknowledgement of Country’) is important for Kaurna people, Aboriginal people from another Country, and non-Aboriginal people.

For the Kaurna people, recognition of Country is a sign of respect that acknowledges the sacred, cultural, and spiritual significance of Country, the lore, and the Kaurna people. Through this recognition, awareness a