The SSN Indigenous Round coincides with the NAIDOC week celebrations (8-15 July) – themed – Because of Her, We can!
The theme recognises the significant contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to Australian society, at local, state and national levels.
The introduction of a league-wide Indigenous Round is a key step in the sport’s increased efforts to provide an inclusive environment for all Australians to participate in and enjoy netball.
A key feature of the 2018 Indigenous Round will be the eight teams’ uniforms, which have been designed by Indigenous artists and represent each area’s Indigenous stories and culture.
Collingwood’s Indigenous dress has been designed by Taungurung artist Mick Harding , who also designed Collingwood’s AFL Indigenous guernsey in the 2018 Sir Doug Nicholls Round earlier this year.
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The club’s indigenous dress depicts the story of the Magpie, and the design articulates the diversity and complexity of all Aboriginal groups throughout Australia.
“The Magpie has a beautiful song. It’s very tribal. It’s family-orientated. It will swoop and protect,” explained artist Mick Harding.
“All of these markings (around the dress) represent a possum-skin cloak, which our people wore for thousands of years. We use them in ceremonies.
“I’ve been a mad Collingwood supporter all of my life and NAIDOC week is a very special week for us, so I’m excited to have been involved in this process (of designing the team’s dress).”
Furthermore, the game day ball will have an Indigenous theme, with renowned indigenous artist Sarrita King having created a one-off ball design – named – Gather As One – for the round.
In all four fixtures in round 10, netball fans across the country will be treated to Indigenous curtain-raiser matches, Welcome to Country ceremonies, incredible dress designs and pay tribute to the many exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have and continue to be a part of our sport.
2018 NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held nationally from Sunday 8 – 15 July.
For more information, head to www.naidoc.org.au
Words from: http://magpiesnetball.com.au/news/magpies-netball-celebrates-inaugural-indigenous-round/
