On August 9, 2018 the Brisbane Lions officially launched their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Allen Christensen officiated the proceedings with Club staff, the board and former players being there for the historic moment. That day the Lions made a public pledge that they would action items that would work towards bridging gaps between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with the remainder of the Australian community.

Fast forward to this weekend, the Lions take on the Hawks and the Club will celebrate its own Indigenous themed round, in line with National Reconciliation Week.

Since the RAP launch in August last year, the Club has been successful in actioning several items. These include: 

  1. The formation of the original RAP committee with various departments and players represented
  2. Cultural awareness training for the Board, staff and players
  3. Brisbane Lions partners educated on the Club’s commitments
  4. Sourcing of Indigenous suppliers for events and catering
  5. Displays of Indigenous heritage, including Aboriginal Nations map and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags. These are on display at all Lions work sites, including The Gabba, Springwood and Melbourne office.
  6. Working with the AFL to take steps to address and call out racism. Recently the entire Club participated in a social video stating “Racism. It Stops With Me.”
  7. The playing group having the opportunity to hear about the Lions Indigenous players’ experiences and culture. Recently Allen, Charlie Cameron and Cedric Cox spoke about their culture at a press conference which most staff and players attended. They also were all interviewed for an upcoming episode of #uncaged about their family background.
  8. Implementation of a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgment to Country at all matches and key events.
  9. Collecting a database of past Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players
  10. The creation of a Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey designed by a local Indigenous artist, which reflects players’ totems and birth signs. The jumper this year was significant as the women’s team was represented for the first time, with Ally Anderson’s totem of an emu included in the design.
  11. Showcasing great Indigenous talent. The Yerongpan dancers will perform at Saturday’s game.
  12. Showing the important Indigenous history of the Gabba as a traditional background

Cathie Reid, co-chair of the RAP Committee with Christensen, said the Lions have always been aware of the important role sport plays in creating opportunities to role model healthy behaviours and attitudes.

“We’re really thrilled that our RAP has provided a great platform for us to increase our involvement with Indigenous communities,” Reid said. 

“It’s also given us all the opportunity to increase our understanding of Indigenous culture and the hugely important role it plays in our country’s history, not only amongst our on and off field staff but also across our fantastic Lions’ supporter base.”

This weekend the game will start with The Long Walk where up to 1000 people will walk from the Wheel of Brisbane up to The Gabba. Before the game the Lions and Hawthorn will exchange gifts and the Yerongpan dancers will conduct a smoking ceremony.

The team will again wear the Indigenous jumper they wore in last week’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash against Fremantle.