Koorie Academy Basketball celebrates unity and culture at NBL Indigenous Round

Joseph Guenzler Published November 11, 2024 at 2.45pm (AWST)

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Koorie Academy Basketball celebrated Indigenous culture at the NBL Indigenous Round. (Image: Supplied)

The recent NBL Indigenous Round has been a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and basketball, with Koorie Academy Basketball playing a central role in the festivities.

As a key partner of Melbourne United, the Academy enriched the event held on November 9 at John Cain Arena, where Melbourne United faced off against the Perth Wildcats.

In a profound gesture symbolising unity and respect, Koorie Academy Basketball gifted Melbourne United a kangaroo skin cloak. They also presented an Aboriginal flag during a cultural education session led by Academy CEO Uncle Ricky Baldwin, a proud Gunai Kurnai man.

"We crushed the ochre in a coolamon, then each Melbourne United player, staff member, and Koorie Academy kid dipped their hands in the ochre and placed it onto the Aboriginal flag," he said.

"This represents coming together—having each other's back."

*Koorie Academy Basketball students with the Melbourne United team. (Image: Supplied)*

The involvement of the Academy kids continued as they participated in a pre-game clinic, formed a guard of honour, and showcased their basketball skills during halftime.

The evening was enriched by a Welcome to Country delivered by Alex Kerr, who also designed Melbourne United's Indigenous jersey.

*Nunkeri Tiddas dancers. (Image: Supplied)*

Adding to the cultural immersion, the traditional dance group Nunkeri Tiddas performed in front of over 10,000 spectators, sharing the richness of the oldest living culture on earth.

In a special moment of recognition, Uncle Ricky presented Nyul Nyul, Bunuba and Jabirr Jabirr man Keanu Pinder with a pair of handmade clap sticks.

The clap sticks were personalised with engravings of his NBL journey, symbolising his achievements and connection to his heritage.

*Keanu Pinder receiving his clapsticks from Uncle Ricky Baldwin. (Image: Supplied)*

Pinder had an impressive performance, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds against the New Zealand Breakers.

Melbourne United secured a win against the Perth Wildcats, but the true victory was the display of unity and mutual respect among all participants.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman reflected on the significance of the Indigenous Round.

"I've seen our guys wearing 'Treaty' tee-shirts during past Indigenous Rounds. What is Treaty?" he asked.

Treaty Commissioner, Yorta Yorta and Ulupna man Barry Firebrace-Briggs, said treay is an "agreement between Aboriginal people and the Victorian Government".

"A treaty will allow Aboriginal people to negotiate outcomes on issues that affect them," he said.

"Aboriginal people have the solutions on factors that impact their lives."

Wiradjuri artist Luke Penrith contributed to the Indigenous Round by designing the official game ball, titled "Flowing Unity: The Heartbeat of Basketball," which symbolises unity, resilience, and the deep connection between culture and sport.

During Indigenous Round, all 10 teams will wear Indigenous jerseys designed by First Nations artists, with each uniform representing unique stories that are etched deep in First Nations history and culture. (Image: NBL)

Recently appointed NBL First Nations and Inclusion Manager, Kellie Langmaid—a proud Palawa woman—highlighted the significance of the league's ongoing initiatives.

Following the delivery of its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in 2021, the NBL has launched its new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for 2024-2026, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

This plan represents the league's commitment to implementing meaningful actions that promote reconciliation and support First Nations communities.

"We have been on a journey to ensure the NBL makes a significant, meaningful, and lasting impact on First Nations communities, and these new initiatives are an important step in our path," Ms Langmaid said.

The contributions of Koorie Academy Basketball during the NBL Indigenous Round exemplify the power of sports as a platform for cultural expression and community engagement.