The National Basketball League has reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation during National Reconciliation Week.

NRW provides an opportunity to reflect on Australia's shared histories, cultures, and achievements.

The NBL has used the week to reinforce its commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The dates of NRW commemorate two significant milestones: the 1967 referendum, which recognised Aboriginal people in the census, and the High Court's 1992 Mabo decision, which overturned the concept of terra nullius and recognised native title.

This year's NRW theme, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on Australians to build on the lessons of the past and create a more inclusive future.

In support of this theme, the NBL held a reflection and learning session where Elders Mutti Mutti, Boon Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman, Aunty Eva Jo Edwards and Gunai Kurnai man Uncle Ricky Baldwin shared their stories.

Mr Baldwin, a prominent voice in Indigenous basketball, told National Indigenous Times it was an important opportunity to speak openly about the ongoing challenges.

"I had one of our elders join me (Aunty Eva) and she's been a real prominent voice for the Stolen Generations and is also an Aboriginal Liaison Officer with Victoria Police, so it was great to partner with her," Uncle Ricky said.

"There was a lot of home truths spoken - it went for over an hour where we told them about the current stats for our people and the lack of representation for Indigenous people, especially at the NBL level."

During the session, Mr Baldwin presented the NBL with a Coolamon, clapsticks, and a painted possum skin.

The Coolamon carried a symbolic message tied to the theme of reconciliation.

"I took in one of my Coolamons. I crushed up some ochre, mixed it up in the corner, and put the Aboriginal flag in it," he said.

"As it's Reconciliation Week 'bridging now to the next' I said, 'this is about coming together on our journey with reconciliation.'"

"So they all dipped their hands in and placed them on the flag."

Uncle Ricky acknowledged the league's efforts but said there is still significant progress to be made.

"There's a lot of work to be done, and you can't shy away from the fact that we're underrepresented at the NBL level," he said.

"We've got (Will) Hickey and (Keanu) Pinder - that's it," he said.

The NBL's Innovate RAP outlines actions to build relationships, foster respect, and provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It focuses on strengthening cultural understanding within the league and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are represented across its operations.

As the NBL commemorates NRW 2025, it said it remains committed to working alongside Indigenous people, acknowledging the importance of sustained action towards reconciliation and ensuring that respect, inclusion, and opportunity remain central to its efforts.