Nura, or Ngura, are words for Country in a number of east coast languages used in and around the Sydney area. To be clear, when talking about Country, it is not the countryside or the area outside of metropolitan spaces being referred to, it is the lands to which First Peoples belong, yearn for, find healing from and will return to. Country is the places from which Ancestors originated and still exist within as lifeforces. Country cannot be owned or tamed, as Country is also a relationship that must be honoured and nurtured.

Using the language for and of Country, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Nura throughout Australia and abroad, and their continuing connection to culture, community, land, sea and sky. We pay our respect to Elders and Knowledge Holders and express our gratitude for their continued sharing of knowledge and culture. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and these lands remain a contested space for many First Peoples.

Recognising Country, Elders and Custodians is a form of mutual respect between First Peoples. It is based on an ancient tradition which situates us in a living reciprocal action between people, narrative and Nura.