Hockey Australia supports reconciliation

During National Reconciliation Week (NRW), Hockey Australia wishes to convey its support and acknowledgement of the continued growth of the reconciliation movement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year marks almost three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process, and as a national sporting organisation, Hockey Australia seeks to play its part towards reconciliation.

Australian hockey has a proud record of Indigenous players who have represented the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras. Joel Carroll, Des Abbott, Baeden Choppy, Nova Peris and current Hockeyroos Brooke Peris and Mariah Williams are some of the names who have and continue to represent their country with distinction.

Hockey Australia’s flagship Pilbara Community Hockey Program, supported by Fortescue Metals Group, sees Hockeyroos and Kookaburras players run clinics and promote the importance of education and having a healthy and active lifestyle to Indigenous kids.

The Cairns Hockey Association’s Aspire to be Deadly program is another significant program dedicated to supporting young Indigenous people.

HA launched an Indigenous Round during the 2020 FIH Pro League in Perth and looks forward to making this an annual occurrence.

As part of Indigenous Round, the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras wore a specially designed Indigenous uniform, there was a Traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony, and 12 Indigenous girls travelled to Perth from Cairns to take part in small games at half time of the international matches.

HA has also commenced the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.

“Reconciliation encompasses many aspects. We acknowledge the first peoples of Australia walked this land well before European settlement,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.

“As a sport, we recognise the unacceptable treatment of and racism towards Indigenous people. Firstly, we must listen and learn from Indigenous Australians, and then we can commence meaningful change.”

“This week shines the light on the importance of understanding the plight that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced over our history as a nation and how we need to continue to change our thoughts, attitudes and behaviours towards reconciliation for the better.”

“Most importantly, what we do and say needs to be authentic and genuine. This comes about through our actions to positively impact the relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“National Reconciliation Week has been a timely reminder of how we can embrace our national heritage and how we can take that extra step to engage in the reconciliation process.”