Personality → Positionality
Personality
It is often appropriate to situate yourself and your own story within your Acknowledgement of Country. Senior Lecturer of Design and Social Context at RMIT, Dr Peter West explains: “Some diplomatic practices are quite formal, there is a time for formality, and there is a time for respectful informality” (2024).
Note that the content, tone, and style of your Acknowledgement will depend on the context. In the instance of design, it is important to recognise that our stories and experiences can limit or benefit our knowledges and perspectives.
Positionality
Personality can sometimes also translate to positionality. Sarah Homan from The Equality Institute explains that positionality is “made up of our various, intersecting social identities” which includes things like “gender, race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, dis/ability, and geographical location” (Homan, 2023).
Dr Nicola St John at RMIT suggests “you might reflect on the on the education you have / haven’t received on Indigenous histories and knowledges. Is this history taught in Australian design schools? Why/why not?” (2024). Considering yourself, your purpose, and your positionality will create a strong framework for a thoughtful and meaningful Acknowledgement of Country.