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Garma's Call for Change: Empowering First Nations Voices in Soccer and Society

Dexter Saemo


In the realm of Australian soccer, the journey of First Nations players has been one of struggle and resilience. From being marginalized in the 70s and 80s, trailblazers like Karen Menzies and Aunty Tarita have paved the way for Indigenous women in soccer. However, the path to true inclusion remains riddled with challenges. Today, players like Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon, and Mary Fowler continue to break barriers as they represent the Matildas on the global stage.


Indigenous imagery may precede their matches, but accusations of empty symbolism have been hurled at organizers and FIFA by bodies like the Australian Indigenous Football Council and Indigenous Football Australia. The lack of visible role models at the elite level narrows the pathway for aspiring Indigenous players. While Football Australia has taken some steps towards diversity, its National Indigenous Advisory Board is viewed by some as a mere smokescreen without adequate resources to drive meaningful change.


Professor John Maynard, an advocate for Indigenous inclusion, underscores the need for tangible actions, beyond performative gestures, to empower First Nations people in soccer. The establishment of the National Indigenous Advisory Board is a start, but much more is required to dismantle systemic barriers that persist within the sport.


At the forefront of the push for change is Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia. At the annual Indigenous gathering known as Garma, she emphasizes that Football Australia could play a more significant role in creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players. The need to move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace substantial change resonates powerfully within the Indigenous community.


The conversation at Garma extends beyond soccer, encompassing the 'Voice' referendum, a momentous opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and decision-making power. With recent polls indicating uncertainty, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's call for a 'yes' vote resonates as a vital step towards empowering First Nations people and addressing historical inequalities.


Yananymul Mununggurr, a Djapu woman, highlights the diversity within First Nations communities and the importance of recognition tailored to their unique cultures and identities. Australia's history is intertwined with Indigenous heritage spanning thousands of years, yet contemporary challenges persist. Indigenous Australians face social disparities across health, wealth, education, and employment indicators.


However, the referendum's path has been met with resistance. Critics argue that the proposed 'Voice' will introduce bureaucracy without tangible benefits. As Australia grapples with the referendum's implications, former Socceroo and human rights activist Craig Foster emphasizes the need for reckoning with the country's colonial past and confronting underlying racism.


The referendum prompts Australians to make a critical choice: to acknowledge truth and embark on a transformative journey towards empowerment or to succumb to division and xenophobia. The annual Garma gathering challenges the nation to consider the fear surrounding First Nations autonomy and to embrace the potential for diverse paths of progress.


Torres Strait Islander Marcus Lacey echoes the sentiment of many, emphasizing the pain and neglect that Indigenous communities have endured. He highlights the urgency of recognition, consultation, and empowerment, pushing for a more profound reshaping of history. As Indigenous activists advocate for substantial change in soccer and society, the call remains clear: Australia must move beyond surface-level symbolism and take substantial strides towards inclusivity and empowerment.


Read the full article here.


Photo Courtesy Forbes


Courtesy Forbes

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For more information please contact:

NISF Chair Wayne Coolwell or Rob Bradley  admin@nisf.org.au

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