Inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Athletes

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Quick Facts

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are part of the oldest continuous culture on earth with a richness and diversity we can all take pride in as a nation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 3.3% of the Australian population.

As with all people, sport plays an important role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s lives.

Inclusive practices to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes and parents

Understand your members

Find out who are the traditional custodians of your area and the language spoken. You can use AIATSIS and if not clear, your local council will have the information.
Review new member enrollment details regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. If left blank, allocate a committee member to follow up with a conversation. Make sure all conversations are done following protocols and with family/community involved. Protocols¹ are an official and established code, procedure or behaviour and may be different from state to state.

Implement ways to prevent and respond to racism

Provide opportunities for members to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at your Centre by including Yulunga Traditional Indigenous Games in between events.
Do not tolerate racial abuse, sledging or discrimination.
Ensure everyone feels confident to report any racism to the committee members.

Cultivate a safe and welcoming culture

Complete an Acknowledgement of Country. You might do an Acknowledgment of Country at;
- Every session.
- Formal events – carnivals, championships, award nights.
- First agenda item for all board and committee meetings.
Include local First Nations language on signs.
Serve Traditional foods or flavours at the canteen.

Foster links with your local community

Complete a Welcome to Country by inviting Traditional Owner/Elder perform a Welcome to Country
Attend community events celebrated in your area – Local Councils are a good place to source events or contact the Local Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.
Celebrate a national event at your centre, preferably in partnership with the local First Nations community.
Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait People to provide education.

Reflect

Could you support Aboriginal owned and run businesses eg. Catering, suppliers etc.

Look at your committee and membership – do they include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?

Important events you may want to acknowledge or celebrate

Date	Name	Briefing	More information
26 May	National Sorry Day	National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and share the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.	https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-2020/
27 May to 3 June	National Reconciliation Week	National Reconciliation Week celebrations commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. 27 May the anniversary of the successful 1967 Referendum and 03 June the High Court Mabo Decision	https://www.reconciliation.org.au/
3 July to 10 July	NAIDOC	NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.	https://www.naidoc.org.au/
4 August	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.	https://www.aboriginalchildrensday.com.au/
9 August	International Day of the World’s Indigenous People	On this day, people from around the world are encouraged to spread the United Nation’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples.	https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/about-us.html

Why Inclusion is the first option 

Individuals 

Everyone deserves to feel connected and welcome. Inclusion can be life changing for a person. The benefits of inclusion in athletics to the indigenous athlete are the same as for any athlete; 

Athletics is fun! 
Improved health.
Make friends and develop support networks.
Develop new skills and confidence.
Reduce stress and improve mood.

Centre 

The business case for diversity and inclusion is compelling. Positioning your centre as a leader in inclusion will: 

Improve community attitudes to indigenous cultures and linguistic groups. People make all the difference in making a welcoming and inclusive centre. 
Create opportunities for your members to learn about different cultures.
Increase membership and volunteer base. 
Increase/reinforce skills and knowledge of coaches and officials.
Enhance your brand and reputation.
Increase governance and risk management and decrease potential legal risks.

Community 

Respect and understanding grow when people of diverse cultures socialise and learn together and you can help make this happen. The outcome for the community can be; 

Economic growth arising from a healthier society.

Enhanced sense of belonging where children and their families feel included and respected in their community. 

Greater ownership and community participation which can be seen in increased rate of volunteering.

Break down barriers and promote social inclusion for improved relationships. 

Stronger networks. 

Increased participation rates in all facets of society.