Cricket Australia says a significant showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols and cultures will be celebrated during this season's Women's and Men's Big Bash Leagues.
Including a Welcome to Country and Barefoot circles - supported by an incorporation of local languages, music and art throughout match day presentation - the nine WBBL|11 and eight BBL|15 First Nations matches are scheduled to be played across the country throughout November, December and January.
During the matches players will wear kits designed by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, each featuring unique stories connected to the traditional lands of each club.
The Brisbane Heat announced their First Nations kit, designed by Kunja and Kooma man Rhan Hooper, on Wednesday, while the Sydney Thunder's kit, co-designed by Yuin artist Rheanna Lotter alongside Indigenous Thunder squad members, Hannah Darlington and Anika Learoyd, was unveiled the previous day.
Darlington said the shirt tells the story of her and Learoyd's journeys, from family, to meeting each other and growing together through cricket.
"It's really special to see our journeys and our culture represented through this design," Darlington said.
"Rheanna has done an amazing job capturing the connection Anika and I share, not just as teammates but as proud First Nations women.
"To wear this shirt is a reminder of where we come from and the people who've helped us along the way."
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The Kamilaroi seamer has also worked closely with the League and naming rights partner, Weber, to produce original designs for the stumps to be used during each First Nations WBBL match day.
Match officials will also wear First Nations uniforms featuring the Walkabout Wicket symbol designed by Kirrae Whurrong artist Fiona Clarke, representing cricket stars past, present and future, and the meeting places where they play.
Cricket Australia says in addition, clubs will undertake activities outside of match day to strengthen their connection to culture and Country in consultation with local Elders and Traditional Owners.
"The Big Bash Leagues are proud to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation alongside clubs, players and match officials at this year's First Nations matches," Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson said.
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"First Nations matches allow us to celebrate and honour our First Nations people and cultures across the country, acknowledge our Indigenous players and is an opportunity to continue to learn about First Nations culture.
"We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which cricket is played and especially thank those who are hosting us for our First Nations matches."
Cricket Australia says the activity underpins the collective commitment of clubs, match officials and the League to reconciliation by deepening meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
WBBL|11 commences on Sunday while BBL|15 begins on 14 December.
Weber WBBL First Nations matches
Nov 16: Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country*
Nov 19: Sydney Thunder vs. Perth Scorchers | Drummoyne Oval, Darug Country
Nov 20: Sydney Sixers vs. Melbourne Stars | North Sydney Oval, Cammeraygal Country
Nov 21: Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Thunder | Allan Border Field, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
Dec 1: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Stars | Ninja Stadium, Muwinina Country
Dec 5: Melbourne Renegades vs. Sydney Sixers | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
Dec 5: Adelaide Strikers vs. Hobart Hurricanes | Karen Rolton Oval, Kaurna Country
Dec 6: Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder | CitiPower Centre, Bunurong Country
Dec 6: Perth Scorchers vs. Brisbane Heat | WACA Ground, Whadjuk Noongar Country
*Denotes Faith Thomas Cup
KFC BBL First Nations matches
Dec 15: Melbourne Renegades vs. Brisbane Heat | GHMBA Stadium, Wadawurrung Country
Jan 4: Perth Scorchers vs. Adelaide Strikers | Optus Stadium, Whadjuk Noongar Country
Jan 5: Sydney Sixers vs. Brisbane Heat | C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Garlandbirla Country
Jan 9: Hobart Hurricanes vs. Adelaide Strikers | Ninja Stadium, Muwinina Country
Jan 11: Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers | Adelaide Oval, Kaurna Country
Jan 12: Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Renegades | ENGIE Stadium, Wangal Country
Jan 13: Melbourne Stars vs. Adelaide Strikers | MCG, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
Jan 18: Brisbane Heat vs. Sydney Sixers | Gabba, Turrbal/Yuggera Country
