Workers are being urged to start internal meetings and staff gatherings with an “acknowledgement of country” in a show of respect to traditional owners.

Welcome to country ceremonies performed by Aboriginal elders are already common at major events and occasions. But now non-Aboriginal workers in government departments, agencies and associations are being encouraged to say an acknowledgement of country.

It’s been billed as a way to combat the history of dispossession of indigenous Australians and “end the exclusion that has been so damaging”.

But even Reconciliation Australia admits the need for guidelines on when an acknowledgement should be said, such as if it applies to major staff meetings or if it should be said even if several co-workers meet to discuss an issue.

The recommendations are contained in Reconciliation Action Plans which must now be produced by government departments and agencies. Examples include the Children and Young People Commissioner’s latest RAP, which recommends: “Include an acknowledgement of country at the commencement of all important internal and external meetings” and “encourage staff to include an acknowledgement of country at the commencement of all meetings”.

The WA Association for Mental Health urges staff to say an acknowledgement of country, where “appropriate”, at board and staff meetings, small training or information sessions, and other small events.

It gives examples such as: “We would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Noongar people in this land”, and, “We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region”.

The WA Justice Department’s latest RAP is slightly more specific, saying employees should be encouraged to say an acknowledgement at the start of “significant” meetings.

“An example where this would be appropriate would be a meeting of the department’s executive team during NAIDOC Week, or the launch to staff of the department’s Reconciliation Action Plan,” a Justice spokeswoman said.

The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council said an acknowledgement of country did not have to take place every day or at every meeting, but should be used where appropriate, particularly at meetings where important issues were discussed or decisions made.

Reconciliation Australia said there were “no set protocols or wording for an acknowledgement of country”, which was an “opportunity for anyone to show respect for traditional owners” at the beginning or a meeting, speech or formal occasion.

Indigenous elder Walter McGuire said acknowledgements of country could be done by anyone. He said it was a positive step in respecting and recognising Aboriginal people.