Jawai backs NBL’s reconciliation action plan

Bamaga product Nate Jawai believes the NBL’s reconciliation action plan working group is an important step for indigenous Australians.

Nate Jawai shoots the ball in the National Basketball League (NBL) match between the Cairns Taipans and the Adelaide 36ers, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

Bamaga product Nate Jawai believes the NBL’s reconciliation action plan working group is an important step for indigenous Australians.

The 33-year-old former NBA centre is the only current NBL player in the group, which Leanne Brooke will be the co-chair of going forward.

Jawai, who earlier this year detailed the racial abuse he endured on his return to the NBL, says the group should be about learning and education.

“I think it is a really important piece to have for the NBL, to support the national reconciliation movement, it is an important piece,” Jawai said.

Taipans's co captain Nate Jawai charges to the hoop in the National Basketball League (NBL) match between the Cairns Taipans and the New Zealand Breakers, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“The NBL is growing to be better and it is exciting times to be part of.

“It is about learning the different cultures, it is a long time coming and about education towards indigenous Australians.

“Hopefully people will know who we are and what the RAP is about, understanding our people.”

Jawai, who just signed a two-year contract extension in the NBL, believes the sport of basketball is a growing one in the indigenous community and gives young boys and girls a platform to be active.

The NBL on Thursday announced Brooke will Co-Chair its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.

Brooke is a proud Gunditjmara woman and is currently the General Manager of The Long Walk and indigenous Affairs Adviser at the Essendon Football Club.

Taipans' Nate Jawai matches up against Phoenix's Tai Wesley in the National Basketball League (NBL) New Year's Eve match between the Cairns Taipans and the South East Melbourne Phoenix, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“Reconciliation is about strengthening meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples and where we as First Nations people are respected, celebrated and championed,” Brooke said.

“I’m looking forward to joining the NBL on its Reconciliation journey where, as a national institution, its influence and exposure can be used to contribute to positive social change and a sense of national unity.”

The Working Group will focus on providing a framework for the NBL to support the national reconciliation movement. It has developed a draft Reflect RAP which has been lodged with Reconciliation Australia for provisional endorsement.

The Working Group will also help guide the league in making a meaningful contribution to this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations from November 8-15.

Members of the Working Group include:

Leanne Brooke, Jeremy Loeliger, Ricky Baldwin, Cal Bruton, Tyson Demos, Nate Jawai, Danny Morseu, Anita Pahor, Kerry Williams and Ben Jopling.

Originally published as Jawai backs NBL’s reconciliation action plan