Last week representatives from RECOGNISE visited the West Coast Eagles for a presentation on the campaign to the West Coast Eagles’ Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. RECOGNISE is the people’s movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and ensure there’s no place in it for racial discrimination.
In 2014 the West Coast Eagles established it’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, which demonstrates respect for Indigenous culture and helping to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
As a part of the West Coast Eagles’ ongoing commitment to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Western Australia, the club recently donated a signed West Coast Eagles Indigenous guernsey to a number of organisations to celebrate and support NAIDOC Week in 2015.
The West Coast Eagles Indigenous guernsey was worn for the first time in AFL Indigenous Round 2014, with each West Coast Eagles player receiving an additional guernsey to sign and donate to a local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisation.
Some of the organisations which received a West Coast Eagles Indigenous Guernsey included:
- Department of Aboriginal Affairs
- Department for Child Protection & Support
- Fair Game
- Future Footprints
- Western Australian Museum
- Recognise
- Nyoongar Wellbeing & Sports
The inaugural West Coast Eagles Indigenous guernsey was designed by Noongar artist Peter Farmer and tells the story of the Waalitj (wedge-tailed eagle), the strongest totem in Noongar culture.
The West Coast Eagles Football Club is committed to sustained success on and off the field and enriching the lives of the Western Australian community and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Aboriginal Australians working together towards reconciliation for the mutual benefit of all.
We have a longstanding commitment to assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as demonstrated through the appointment of the Australian Football League’s first Indigenous Liaison Officer, Phil ‘Magic’ Narkle, our continued work within the ‘Eagles in the Community’ programs and our ongoing support of the Wirrpanda Foundation.
Narkle, an inaugural West Coast Eagles squad member, says Reconciliation is an ongoing journey for the West Coast Eagles Football Club.
“The West Coast Eagles Football Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan outlines the club’s actions and outcomes, which will strengthen their relationships and gain respect with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
“We need to walk the pathway through the West Coast Eagles gateway together as one. To empower the knowledge is a moorditj and beautiful tool.”
