Indigenous basketballers from across the country have converged on Canberra's Australian Institute of Sport for the annual National Indigenous Performance Camp.
Building on the success of the program's inaugural camp last year, young male and female athletes from every state and territory are participating in the three-day camp from September 4-6.
The camp will see attendees work with experienced coaches and mentors while developing their basketball, confidence and connection to culture and community.
Among the attendees is Queenslander Jay Sebasio, who won a bronze medal campaign with the Australian Sapphires at July's FIBA U17 World Cup in Czechia.
For Sebasio, the camp presents a chance to challenge herself while continuing to grow both on and off the court.
"I'm most excited to challenge myself, meet new people and be part of an environment where I can grow both as an athlete and as a person," she told Basketball Australia.
Basketball Australia said the camp will provide Indigenous athletes from around Australia an opportunity to connect with each other and learn from coaches who understand the importance of culture and identity.
"It means a lot to be around people who share a similar background and understand the importance of culture and community," Sebasio said.
"I think it's a really special opportunity to meet athletes from different parts of Australia, hear their stories and build connections that go beyond basketball."
Sebasio will be led throughout the camp by women's head coach Mahaela Jackson, who strives to build a culturally safe environment for her athletes.
"Having a culturally safe and understanding environment is pivotal for young Indigenous athletes as it provides the opportunity to develop their basketball and pursue pathways without potentially feeling the need to hide or minimise their connection to culture," Jackson said.
For Jackson, the camp is about more than developing the athletes on court, with building confidence and a strong sense of identity critical to their development.
"First and foremost the opportunity to pursue their basketball with confidence and strong sense of self as athletes and proud Indigenous youth."
"And I hope it may open new windows of opportunity in further high performance pathways."
Basketball Australia said the camp will see Jackson and men's head coach Chris Cedar will push athletes to deal with the challenges that will come along the way.
"I want to see them come in with energy, confidence and a willingness to connect. I want them to compete, challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones," Cedar said.
"Hopefully, they leave the camp better basketballers, stronger people and proud of who they are and where they come from."
Similar to Jackson, Cedar believes cultural connection is central to creating an environment where young Indigenous athletes can thrive.
"It's extremely important. When young First Nation athletes feel culturally safe and connected, they can be themselves and play with confidence," he said.
"Basketball and culture shouldn't have to be separated. This camp gives athletes the opportunity to learn from First Nation coaches and role models, build relationships with other young people and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging.
"That connection can be just as powerful as anything we teach them on the court."
With both head coaches bringing their own experiences to their groups, Basketball Australia said the importance of this camp hasn't been lost on either coach.
"It's a real privilege, but it's also a responsibility that I don't take lightly," Cedar said.
"I've been fortunate to play basketball professionally and experience the game at a high level so being able to pass those lessons on to the next generation means a lot to me."
Jackson shared a similar sentiment.
"To be given a head coach role for this camp with the opportunity to mentor and guide our upcoming Indigenous talent, is an absolute honour," she said.
The sense of identity and belonging will also be reflected in the camp's uniforms and artwork, designed by Kenita Bush, a proud Dalabon woman from the Northern Territory.
Basketball Australia said the artwork tells the story of a young person's journey, with the many choices we face as an opportunity to learn and grow.
National Indigenous Performance Camp athletes
Evelyn Pitt (QLD), Jay Sebasio (QLD), Mya Moke (QLD), Lucy Pederson (SA), Eloise Pederson (SA), Aneesha Kent (VIC), Jasmine Chilco-Burns (VIC), Kaia Rukuata (WA), Sasha Nona (WA), Jazzy Gordon (NSW), Tully Pickering (NSW), Maya Davies (TAS)
Kylan Ford-Miller (QLD), Samuel McDowell-White (QLD), Thurston Bousen (QLD), Seth Bunting (NT), Kobe Pearce (ACT), Malakai Walker (VIC), Beau Jones (WA), J'Quarn Shoveller (WA), Archie Coady (VIC), Cohen Weir (NSW), Riley McNulty (NSW), Harlem O'Loughlin (SA), Nash Armstrong (TAS)
