How many Indigenous acknowledgments ‘take advantage of ignorance’

An Wurundjeri elder says Australian corporations have been tricked into thinking they’re doing the right thing with catch-all acknowledgments of First Nations people.

But he says the fact they’re making an effort is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain why

It comes after Neil Mitchell was sent a copy of a Coles receipt, which had an “acknowledgment of country” printed on it.

Wurundjeri elder Ian Hunter said it personally meant little to him.

“These sorts of things, I think, take advantage of the ignorance of non-indigenous people,” he said.

Coles sent 3AW Mornings the following statement to explain why it had printed the message on receipts.

“With more than 2,500 stores nationally and as one of Australia’s largest employees of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Coles Group is proud to include an Acknowledgement of Country on our receipts.

“We work hard to create opportunities for Indigenous peoples, organisations, communities and customers to engage with our business and continue to increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights.”