Honoring First Nations Traditional Custodianship in Australian Sport

Across Australia, sporting events are increasingly preceded by Acknowledgements of Country, recognizing the First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the games are played. This practice reflects a growing awareness and respect for the deep spiritual and cultural connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the Australian landscape, known as “Country.” But what does Traditional Custodianship truly mean, and how is it being embraced within the sporting world?

Understanding Traditional Custodianship

The concept of Traditional Custodianship stems from the enduring relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have maintained with their lands and seas for over 60,000 years [2]. “Country” encompasses not just the physical environment, but also the spiritual, cultural, and ancestral ties to that land. The terms “Traditional Custodian” and “Traditional Owner” are often used interchangeably, particularly in the context of native title [1].

However, custodianship carries a deeper meaning than simple ownership. It implies a responsibility to care for Country, a worldview distinct from Western concepts of land ownership and property rights [1]. This custodial ethic, recognized by academics since the 1980s, emphasizes sustainable land management and reconciliation [1].

Custodianship in Practice: A Queensland Cricket Example

Queensland Cricket provides a tangible example of acknowledging Traditional Custodians. Their indigenous artwork, a collaboration between Queensland Fire player Mikayla Hinkley (a proud Kunja woman) and Brisbane Indigenous artist Delores McDonald (“Aunty Delly”), visually represents this connection. The artwork depicts the Gabba stadium within a landscape of waterholes historically present near the ground [1]. Notably, 87 black strokes on red earth symbolize the wickets taken by Eddie Gilbert, an Aboriginal cricketer who played 23 games for Queensland [1].

The Role of Elders

Elders play a vital role in preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge within Aboriginal Australian society [4]. They are the custodians of culture, tradition, and ancestral stories, ensuring the continuity of knowledge about the Dreaming, sacred sites, and the significance of the land [4] and [3]. Their guidance is invaluable as communities navigate shared futures.

Respect and Recognition

AIATSIS, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, sea, culture, and community [2]. Paying respect to Elders – past, present, and emerging – is a crucial element of this recognition.

Looking Ahead

The increasing acknowledgement of Traditional Custodianship in Australian sport is a positive step towards reconciliation. Continued efforts to understand and respect the deep cultural connection First Nations peoples have with the land are essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.