Reconciliation journey takes steps forward

Disclaimer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains names of deceased persons.
 
To coincide with Indigenous Round, the NBL is pleased to announce two key new initiatives to help strengthen its reconciliation journey.
 
The initiatives include:
- The commissioning of a new official NBL Indigenous Artwork, painted by Luke Penrith, a proud Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin, and Gumbaynggirr Nations man.
- Following delivery of its inaugural Reflect RAP, the NBL is now proud to launch its new Innovate RAP having received endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. Click here to view.  

NBL First Nations and Inclusion Manager, and proud Palawa woman, Kellie Langmaid, explained the significance of the new initiatives. 
 
“We have been on a journey to ensure the NBL makes a significant, meaningful, and lasting impact on First Nations communities, and these new initiatives are an important step in our path,” Langmaid said.
  
“Our Innovate RAP carries on the lessons learnt from our Reflect RAP and is about implementing change. The RAP outlines a deep understanding of how the NBL can help positively influence the First Nations community, and the actions we have committed to in order to reach those outcomes. 
 
“Identifying and fostering future talent is a key theme of the RAP and has been the driver behind two important initiatives. We are proud to have launched a talent identification program in Queensland, while during NAIDOC Week we partnered with Patty Mills’ Indigenous Basketball Australia to help shine a spotlight on the emerging First Nations talent during an IBA All-Stars game. 
 
“Luke’s NBL Indigenous Artwork will be proudly showcased throughout Indigenous Round and is titled ‘Flowing Unity: The Heartbeat of Basketball’. It’s a magnificent piece that celebrates unity, resilience, and cultural diversity, and serves as an important reminder of the intrinsic connection between sport and First Nations heritage.”  
 
NBL CEO, David Stevenson, added how proud the League is to have worked with Reconciliation Australia on the Innovate RAP. 
 
Speaking from the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, Sydney on Wednesday, Stevenson said, “the Innovate RAP is an important step forward, but now it is about action, and we look forward to partnering with communities and stakeholders across the nation to deliver it and strengthen outcomes”. 
 
“It is a privilege to commit to this ambitious, innovative, and future-focused RAP, and we are so proud to have worked with Reconciliation Australia and our RAP Working Group, particularly co-chair John Paul Janke, on creating it,” Stevenson added. 
 
During Indigenous Round, all 10 teams will wear Indigenous jerseys designed by First Nations artists, with each uniform representing unique stories that are etched deep in First Nations history and culture. 
 
NBL referees will also wear Indigenous uniforms designed by the family of Abraham Knox, a much-loved young man lost too soon, and Nathan Patterson, titled ‘Yeeram Nyoo – just one more day’. The design draws inspiration from an artwork crafted by Abraham himself, symbolising connection and coming together. The feather motif evokes the spirit bird, carrying the spirits of our loved ones on their journey to rest with our ancestors. These products aim to initiate conversations about mental health. The name, derived from the Waddawurrung language, translates to ‘one more day’, symbolising hope and resilience in the face of mental health struggles. 
 
A special Spalding basketball will be used during all games, featuring Luke Penrith’s artwork. 
 
On Thursday night in Indigenous Round, the Brisbane Bullets face Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats host the Tasmania JackJumpers. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN.